Forres Heritage Trust

A Forres Heritage Trust volunteer has been awarded a Heritage Hero Award. James Greig who regularly helps out with renovations and updates to the Tolbooth was given the honour by Moray Council. James received the certificate after attending an eight-week employability course called ‘Xplore’, which aims to help people build on their range of experiences. James was linked with local historian, Lynda Dean, who gives local history tours of the area for the award which requires participants to engage with history and reflect on their experience of this. James’ work with Lynda focused on Elgin Cathedral and the history …

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A PROMINENT Forres tourist attraction is once again open with new interactive features and a new look. In time for the summer holidays, the Forres Tolbooth is open again for tours after the building’s clockfaces, and mechanism were renovated. In addition to the clockface restoration, people visiting the attraction will also be able to enjoy an intricate model of the Forres Railway Station. The model was originally made by Forres Heritage Trust volunteer Ross Dalziel and had been on show behind glass in the actual station. It was salvaged by the Trust when the station was demolished and has …

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Two organisations in the town will be working together to bring a package of heritage projects to Forres after securing £20K in funding. Between April and September, Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) and the Forres Heritage Trust (FHT) will collaborate to bring a programme of activities which will include guided walks and tours, talks, traditional entertainment events, and tailor-made activities packages for day and longer stay visitors to name but a few of the plans. The project has received £20K from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will also allow for a part-time administrator and …

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A book which documents a Moray man’s rise from the humble home of a tenant farmer to become the friend and confidant of one of Britain’s most significant historical figures has been launched. The limited-edition book tells the story of John Scott, born in 1764 at Floods Farm, Spey Bay and whose career in the Royal Navy resulted in his close friendship with Lord Nelson. He rose from a humble start to become a purser on a series of increasingly important ships, also serving for limited periods as secretary for three different admirals before becoming Lord Nelson’s public secretary. …

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Three historic monuments in Forres have been officially ‘lit up’ following a three-year project. On Saturday, around 70 VIPs were welcomed to the Tolbooth to witness it, and the nearby Mercat Cross being lit up. The guests who were greeted to the event by a piper, were also shown a short film which showcased the illumination of Nelson’s Tower which stands proudly on Cluny Hill. The project has been taken forward by the Forres Heritage Trust who own the Tolbooth and look after Nelson’s Tower. Trustees Bill Budge and Bob James took the lead on the project working with …

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Fundraising is underway to restore two historic paintings which are in desperate need of a clean. The Tournament and The Riding of the Marches both from 1841 by Thomas Cranmer hang in the courtroom of the Tolbooth which is owned by the Forres Heritage Trust. Now, Alex Ross, a volunteer with the Forres Heritage Trust is leading on the project which is expected to cost in excess of £20,000 Alex said: “The Forres Heritage Trust is seeking funding from various bodies and we are waiting to see if our applications have been successful. However, with the cost of restoring …

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A seven-year-old boy has been drawn as the winner of a Forres Heritage Trust Quiz that was circulated around the town. Fergus Rhind was picked as the winner of the quiz which was created by Trust supporter John Sutherland and was available in a number of shops in the tow centre. There were 13 completed quizzes with six of them being completely correct. Fergus who attends Anderson’s Primary was drawn as the winner. John created the quiz to raise some funds for the Forres Heritage Trust which is run by volunteers. The Trust owns the Tolbooth and also looks …

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Work has begun to light up three historic monuments in Forres. Interior wiring works at the Tolbooth and Nelson’s Tower is already underway and external groundworks have also begun to enable the Tolbooth and the Mercat Cross to be illuminated. There is a small area between the two buildings which is cordoned off to allow for the external cabling works to be carried out. Last year, the Forres Heritage Trust (FHT) was given planning permission to go ahead with the project which will also see Nelson’s Tower being lit too. The project is being led by trustees Bill Budge …

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