Forres Heritage Trust

Looking after the heritage of Forres

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Historic feature could clock up tourist visits

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PLANS are in place to turn a historic Moray landmark into a tourist attraction.

Forres Heritage Trust Chairman George Alexander om the wooden steps which lead up to the external walkway

If given the green light, visitors to the Tolbooth situated in the centre of Forres High Street will be able to access an external walkway around the old clock tower, giving them views over the town and surrounding area.

The project which is in its first phase is being progressed by the Forres Heritage Trust which owns the building.

George Alexander, chairman of the Trust which also looks after Nelson’s Tower, another building providing uninterrupted views of the region, explained: “It is a little-known fact that there is a narrow walkway around the clock, and until now only a privileged few have ever gained access, but it is the aim of the Trust to make access safely available to tourists and locals alike. The views are beautiful, but actually, being inside the clocktower is an experience in itself and we plan to turn that whole part of the Tolbooth into a new visitor attraction.”

The Trust still has to seek permission from Historic Environment Scotland, Moray Council Building Control and Moray Council Planning for the whole renovation.

Opening the external walkway would be a new tourist attraction for the town.

However, an application has been lodged with Moray council to replace the wooden stairs which provide the direct access to the external walkway.

“We have a very long way to go with this project and there are certain conditions and permissions that we must seek in order to progress it. This is a building with huge historical importance for the town and the region, so we want to make sure that we do everything by the book and make sure whatever we do, is in keeping with the building and most importantly safe for those who will access the walkway.

“However, we also see the opportunity here to give another use to the building and being able to market it as another reason to visit our wonderful town and be able walk up to the clocktower and then outside around the tower, would really be something very special.”

The project has received £9375 from the Town Centre Regeneration Funding which was allocated for ‘alterations to the outside gallery around the clock tower.’

To get the first part of the project off the ground, the Forres Heritage Trust has engaged with local firm AJ Engineering who will design, fabricate and install the new stairs.

George added: “Once this phase is complete, which will include a huge amount of work from our volunteers who will be responsible for removing the old wooden stairs, the next stage in the process is to repair the lead lining which forms the floor of the walkway and replace the pointing which has been eroded from many of the joints in the stonework. Then work will begin on making the walkway safe for visitors to enjoy the fantastic views over the town, especially to both the East and West along the High Street.”

The Forres Heritage Trust took ownership of the Tolbooth in 2013 and since then its team of volunteers have worked tirelessly to restore the building.

Last July, renovations to the courtroom were revealed after three years of work and thousands of pounds of investment.

The works included a full re-paint, replacement of wooden panelling, a new carpet, the ceiling being thoroughly cleaned and insulated, and all doors sanded and varnished has brought the room back to life. New floor to ceiling curtains have also been handmade and a state of the art multi-media system installed.

Winter Talk: The story of Moray’s emigration

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Delve into stories of human adventure, achievement and adversity as the Forres Heritage Trust welcomes Professor Marjory Harper to present the first of its Winter Talks series.

Professor Harper will give a snapshot of Moray’s migration throughout the 19th and 20th centuries in her talk: Snapshots from Morayshire’s migration album: two centuries of adventure and exile”

Two million Scots emigrated from their homeland in the 19th century, and a further two million in the 20th century.

Morayshire has always been well represented in the Scottish diaspora, though as Professor Harper will explain, its story has perhaps been somewhat neglected.

The talk will look at the triggers for emigrating, the means by which decisions were implemented, the experiences and impressions of Morayshire Scots overseas, and the impact of return migration.

Professor Harper who co-ordinates the online Master’s Programme in Scottish Heritage, will make extensive use of personal testimony – written and oral – to explore the complex and often contradictory saga of emigration.

The event will take place in the Tolbooth on January 15 at 7pm.

Bio of Professor Marjory Harper

Marjory Harper is Professor of History at the University of Aberdeen, and senior researcher at the Centre for History, University of the Highlands and Islands.

Her research focuses on British emigration since 1800, particularly from Scotland. Two of her monographs (Adventurers and Exiles (2003) and Scotland No More?  (2012) have each won an international prize.

She co-authored (with Stephen Constantine) Migration and Empire (2010), a Companion Volume in the Oxford History of the British Empire and she has published around 100 articles.

Her edited collection, Migration and Mental Health: Past and Present was published in 2016 and she has authored a number of articles on migration and mental health in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Her most recent monograph, Testimonies of Transition (an oral history of twentieth-century Scottish emigration) was published in May 2018 and has recently been turned into an audio book.

She is about to begin a commissioned monograph on Scottish-Antipodean networks.

In her teaching capacity, she is the Director of a new online Master’s Programme in Scottish Heritage, which was launched in September 2017, and is involved in the development and implementation of training courses for the Scottish Tourist Guides’ Association.

More visitors flock to Tolbooth and Tower

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The Tolbooth and Nelson’s Tower have been visited by more people than ever before for 2019, the Forres Heritage Trust is pleased to report.

Bookings for using the Tolbooth which has many rooms which can be hired for events have also increased.

Whilst the main tourist season is now finished, the Trust is already thinking ahead to what it can do to improve next season.

Forres High Street

This year, Nelson’s Tower which sits on Cluny Hill above Grant Park saw over 3302 visitors, an increase from 3025 last year. It was only beaten in 2011, the year the Heritage Trust took over the running of the monument which at the time welcomed 3345 visitors.

Recently, a photographic showcase of days gone by which was held in the Tolbooth saw the best ever footfall too and the recent Moray Doors Open Day which showcased a new police office and cells project welcomed 257 visitors.

George Alexander, chairman of the Trust said: “This has been a tremendous season for the two buildings that the Forres Heritage Trust looks after. It only goes to show that there is an appetite for people to want to learn about our region’s rich history and that Moray itself is a sought-after tourist destination. Forres has so much to offer and we are pleased that the Trust plays a part in that.

“Since the Trust has been responsible for Nelson’s Tower, we have welcomed visitors from over 50 countries including Australia, France, Germany, Slovakia, USA, Brazil, Japan, China, India, Dubai, and Pakistan to name but a few. It is great that we are attracting people from near and far.”

Nelson' Tower, Forres

He added: “Seeing these increased figures also justifies all the hard work and the time that our volunteers give up ensuring the smooth operation of the two buildings. The Tolbooth has undergone extensive renovations and whilst Doors Open Day gave people a first look at the police office and cells project, we do plan to have a proper launch of what we hope will become a firm attraction in its own right.”

He added: “The renovation, particularly of the court room also means that the Tolbooth is a much more beautiful space, modern but in keeping with its history. We are getting more calls about hiring it and have even had our first wedding enquiry.”

The Trust is run by a core group of 12 Trustees who are now working on plans for 2020.

“We will have our ever-popular Winter Talks which take place in the first three months of the year,” explained George, “these are always sell-out events. We also hope to take part in the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival again. We held a whisky nosing and tasting this year and that was very successful, and we may well run our free family fun day up at the Tower as well.”

The Trust relies solely on donations and grants and although seeing more visitors to the buildings is welcomed it has also meant an increase in donations too.

“Over the last year we have carried out thousands of pounds worth of work at the Tolbooth but that money has to come from somewhere. What has been great, is that more visitors have led to more donations, however, that just means that we have to keep at the top of our game to ensure that people return and spread the word about what we have to offer.”

Forres doors open to the public

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Forres will be a hotbed of activity later this month when 15 premises open their doors to the public as part of a nationwide initiative.

Half of the 30 locations taking part in the Moray Doors Open Day regional event are located within the Forres area and the buildings involved are encouraging visitors to create their own mini tour.

The Moray Doors Open Day is part of Doors Open Day, Scotland’s largest free festival that celebrates heritage and the built environment.  It offers free access to over a thousand venues across the country throughout September every year.

The aim of Doors Open Days is to ensure that Scotland’s built heritage, new and old, is made accessible to people living and visiting the country on weekends in September.

New to the schedule this year is AJ Engineering with owner of the fabrication and construction firm, Alan James deciding to take part to mark the company’s 20 years in business.

The company will provide tours, a BBQ, face-painting and bouncy castle and will also have some hands-on activities for youngsters provided by the T-Exchange.

Alan said: “This is an ideal opportunity for us to showcase what we do to the public and to invite people in and we are thrilled to be one of 15 locations within our locality opening our doors. It’s fabulous to see that there is a stronghold of premises in the Forres area who have chosen to take part in this great scheme and we really hope that visitors head our way and decide to make a day of enjoying all that Forres and the surrounding area has to offer.”

Talking about why he decided to join in, Alan said: “We are one of the biggest employers in the town but I think for some, it is still a mystery as to what we actually do here, so to give people access will hopefully unveil some of the mystery. I am delighted that we also have the T-Exchange on board. They encourage young people in the use of new and old technologies and are huge advocates for STEM activities. They will be bringing with them some gadgets and gizmos that our visitors will be able to enjoy and who knows, maybe we will inspire the next generation of engineers.”

Also new to the line up is St John’s Church where guests can enjoy a flower festival along with organ music and refreshments on the lawn outside the church.

Reverend Dr Hamilton Inbadas said: “We are delighted to participate in Moray Doors Open Day and to welcome everyone to our church. St John’s offers a quiet and serene place of worship, which has unique architectural characteristics and the exquisite murals, including wall-size originals by William Hole. All are welcome to enjoy the place, the flowers on display and listening to live organ music. We hope all who visit St John’s will discover a place for peace and quiet, and a space to be.”

Opening their doors for the third year in a row are our own sites, the Forres Tolbooth and Nelson’s Tower.

Two years ago, the Tolbooth was the most popular venue in Moray with over 350 people visiting throughout the day and members of the Trust hope to replicate that again this year with the unofficial opening of a new visitor attraction.

George Alexander, chairman of the Forres Heritage Trust said: “We are thrilled to be taking part in Doors Open Day again and this year within the Tolbooth people will be able to get a first glimpse of our new visitor attraction. Over the past year we have had a team of dedicated people working hard to restore the old police office and cells and Moray Doors Open Day will be the first opportunity that the public will be able to experience this.”

He added: “We have also recently completed renovations on the courtroom which is now looking beautiful and of course a visit up Nelson’s Tower which stands proud on Cluny Hill is always worth the trek as once at the top it offers panoramic views over the region. We really do hope that people will take the time out to enjoy a number of properties across the region, as we boast such beautiful and interesting sites.”

Locations within Forres area:

The premises taking part within the Forres area are: AJ Engineering; Darnaway Castle; Dalvey House; St John’s Church; Forres Town Hall; Newbold House; Nelson’s Tower; Findhorn Foundation Eco Village; Pluscarden Church of Scotland; Findhorn Heritage Ice House; The Tolbooth; Edinkillie Church; Dyke Church; Cluny Hill Findhorn Foundation; Falconer Museum Store.

Please be advised that some premises require booking.

All of the locations opening their doors within Moray can be viewed at http://www.doorsopendays.org.uk/places/moray/

Record numbers enjoy peek into past

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RECORD numbers of people have taken time out to visit a historic photographic display held in the town.

A showcase of days gone by was held in the Tolbooth which is looked after by the Forres Heritage Trust and curators of the exhibition Ross Dalziel and Ray Mills have been delighted to see an upsurge in people keen to get a glimpse into the past.

For the first time, new state-of-the-art equipment played film from over the years and another attraction was the addition of a Forres Academy photo album from 1928.

Ross who has volunteered with the Trust for nine years said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the number of people who have visited the Tolbooth over the four-day exhibition. This has definitely been the busiest exhibition we have had and it is reassuring to know that there is still an appetite for it.”

Ray who has also volunteered since 2010 added: “Being able to play the films from years gone by was definitely a fabulous addition and something that we plan to do at future exhibitions. The film was “Memories of Forres 1937-1938” filmed by the late David R Forrester (A.R.P.S.) who owned Harrold’s the Chemist on the High Street. The pictures from Forres Academy also sparked interest.”

George Alexander, chairman of the Forres Heritage Trust said: “We owe Ross and Ray a huge thank you for the work they put in to maintaining our extensive picture archive. This exhibition was the first time many of the visitors got to see the recently renovated courtroom which is stunning and is also the location for the new technology which allowed us to play the old films on a huge drop-down screen. A fitting addition to the exhibition.”

The next event at the Tolbooth will be when it opens for Moray Doors Open Day on September 21.

This will be the first time that people can get a glimpse of the old police office and cells which have also been under renovation by a team of volunteers.

Nelson’s Tower which is also looked after by the Trust will also be open before it shuts at the end of September until next season.

Court room refurb complete

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RENOVATIONS made to one of the region’s most historic buildings have been revealed following over three years of work and thousands of pounds of investment.

The court room in the Forres Tolbooth has undergone major refurbishment and the Forres Heritage Trust which is responsible for maintaining the building hopes the work makes the space more appealing for hire and hosting its own events.

The renovation took three years of hard work by volunteers

The works which have included a full re-paint, replacement of wooden panelling, a new carpet, the ceiling being thoroughly cleaned and insulated, and all doors sanded and varnished has brought the room back to life.

New floor to ceiling curtains have also been handmade and a state of the art multi-media system installed.

George Alexander, chairman of the Forres Heritage Trust which also looks after Nelson’s Tower said he was delighted with the outcome: “The room looks absolutely stunning. It has been modernised, but it still maintains its grandeur that a building of this status and historic significance commands. There was not much wrong with the integrity of the room, but it was tired, had pink walls and needed refreshing.”

Volunteers at heart of renovation

He added: “The room now looks clean, crisp and elegant and we as a Trust look forward to hosting even more events over the coming months and we also hope the refurbishment will be attractive to people looking to host their own events.”

Mr Alexander also paid tribute to the team of volunteers: “We must not underestimate the level of work that has gone into restoring the old court room and keep in mind that what makes this even more impressive is that most of the work has been carried out by a hard working team of volunteers who have pitched up every Friday over the last three years to carry out the work. It is a huge room, with very high ceilings and is also home to some very important and historic artwork which is significant to the town, so the team had to work carefully to ensure nothing was damaged. I would like to publicly thank all those people who got involved and gave up their time and expertise to ensure this historic room is maintained for future generations to enjoy. A special mention also to Tom and Iris Logie of T. D Logie’s whose wealth of experience in house furnishing was of huge benefit to the renovations.”

He added: “We must also thank those who have donated money to the Trust over the years as to ensure these types of renovations are done to a high standard and sympathetically, a significant amount of money has to be invested. So far, we have invested around £20,000 for the renovations, which includes the installation of new multi-media equipment.”

21 century equipment

Bob James, a trustee with the Forres Heritage Trust was involved in sourcing the equipment.

He said: “The new equipment brings the courtroom into the 21st century. It opens up a host of new possibilities meaning the court room could be used for training sessions, exhibitions, or even film screenings. What was important to us as a Trust and to ensure that we maintained the integrity of the room, was to ensure that the screen, projector and speakers were installed with minimal impact on how the court room looks.  They are discrete but deliver a very high-quality output and will do so for many years to come.”

Doors Open Day 2019

The next public event to be held at the Tolbooth, where people can get a first glimpse of the renovation work will be the historic photo exhibition which will take place between September 4 and 7. Following that the Tolbooth and Nelson’s Tower will be open free of charge as part of Moray Doors Open Day on September 21.

Laurie Piper, operations manager with Moray Speyside Tourism said he was looking forward to seeing the renovations at one of the Tolbooth’s next events: “One of the many attractions to our region for visitors is our rich and deep heritage which is never more apparent than in the interesting, varied and individual historic buildings that we are home to. I am fully supportive of the work that has been carried out by the Forres Heritage Trust at the Tolbooth and its aspirations for future use of the building. I look forward to providing any assistance the Trust needs in pursuit of restoring the Tolbooth to its former glory.