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Forres Heritage Trust

Looking after the heritage of Forres

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News

Get fit and volunteer for FHT

February 25, 2020 By Forres Heritage Trust

Exercise and meeting people from around the globe are just two of the reasons to volunteer at one of the town’s most historical buildings, it has been said.

The Forres Heritage Trust looks after the opening of Nelson’s Tower between April and September which last year welcomed over 3302 visitors from 54 different countries.

And the Trust is now appealing for more people to come forward and get involved with an open evening, to find out more being held in March.

Some of the volunteers but more are needed

Grace Reid, one of a team of 12 trustees who look after the Tower and the Forres Tolbooth is entering her third season at the monument, said she loves her stints at the Cluny Hill-based monument.

She said: “It is such a pleasure being involved with the Forres Heritage Trust and I am in the fortunate position that I get to meet and work alongside a fantastic pool of volunteers. However, whilst we don’t ask too much from each of our helpers, we would benefit from more input.”

Volunteers are asked to do one two-hour stint each month and the Trust will accept help from those aged 16 and over.

“We give full training to our volunteers and it would be great to get a more diverse age range of people helping us. We are happy to welcome youngsters who want to do something for their local community or need to do some volunteering for something at school or their Duke of Edinburgh for example.

“We have two people man the monument at any one time. One at the top and one at the bottom. They are asked to do a two-hour stint and swap over half-way through their shift. We only ask people to commit to one, two-hour shift a month, but of course if people want to do more, we would welcome that.”

She added: “Everyone takes something different away when they help at the Tower. Some people like the history and learning about and sharing information about it, others love meeting the different people who visit the Tower. Some use it as a wee bit of exercise, and to enjoy the sensational view, for me it’s a combination.” 

The Trust is currently looking at upgrading the information boards at the monument which was erected by public subscription as a memorial to Admiral Lord Nelson, finally opening in October 1812 after six years of construction.

“We have lots of information on why and when Nelson’s Tower was built and of course we have lots of information on Lord Nelson himself,” explained Grace, “but there is not so much about who was involved in building it, or where the stone came from for example. We are appealing for people who may know something, even if it’s just a snippet, to let the Trust know. One of our dreams would be get hold of architects drawings or plans, so we can display them.”

To find out more about volunteering at Nelson’s Tower you can attend the event at the Tolbooth on March 18 at 7.30pm or visit www.forresheritage.co.uk

Filed Under: News

Whisky event sells out in 24 hours

February 25, 2020 By Forres Heritage Trust

A CHARITY whisky tasting to be hosted by a Forres man who travels the globe representing one of the world’s most awarded single malt whisky has sold out in less than 24 hours.

Struan Grant Ralph will host an event as part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival

Struan Grant Ralph, global brand ambassador for Glenfiddich will present the event for the Forres Heritage Trust as part of the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival.

And all proceeds from the event, which will take place on April 30, will be donated to the Trust which looks after the upkeep of the Tolbooth and ensures Nelson’s Tower opens each year as a visitor attraction.

Struan, a former Forres Academy pupil said: “I travel the world with Glenfiddich but have recently moved back home to Forres and was approached by the Trust to host an event and I jumped at the chance. I am delighted to be back home in Forres and I think it’s really important to get involved in your local community.

“Whisky is clearly a passion of mine and so is Scottish history, so being able to host this event for the heritage trust is a natural fit.

A Night With Glenfiddich will take place in the historic court room within the Tolbooth which recently underwent a massive refurbishment.

Guests will be treated to a unique opportunity to taste the latest releases from Glenfiddich including the new 23-year-old Grand Cru and some rare single casks direct from the distillery warehouse.

George Alexander, chairman of the Trust and a former teacher of Struan’s said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Struan to the Tolbooth for our second event in association with the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival. He has been very generous in agreeing to do the event and the money raised will be used to continue our renovation of the Tolbooth. The fact that it sold out in less than 24 hours, is a good indication that it is going to be a fantastic night.

“The building is hundreds of years old and to ensure that it continues to be a focal point of our town, it needs to be maintained, so Struan’s generosity in running this event for us should be thanked and commended.”

In January, it was revealed that plans are in place to make access available to the external walkway around the old clock tower in the Tolbooth which would be opened as a tourist attraction.

The project has received £9375 from the Town Centre Regeneration Funding which was allocated for ‘alterations to the outside gallery around the clock tower’, however, the development is expected to cost in excess of £50,000.

Filed Under: News

Historic feature could clock up tourist visits

January 27, 2020 By Forres Heritage Trust

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.

Filed Under: News

Winter Talk: The story of Moray’s emigration

November 13, 2019 By Forres Heritage Trust

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.

Filed Under: News

More visitors flock to Tolbooth and Tower

October 4, 2019 By Forres Heritage Trust

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.”

Filed Under: News

Forres doors open to the public

September 13, 2019 By Forres Heritage Trust

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/

Filed Under: News

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