You are now entering Grant Park which some may say is the heart of the town. Do you recognise where you are in relation to this image? This image was taken in August 1961 when the town welcomed the late Queen and the late Prince Philip to Grant Park for a royal visit. Pictured are George Forbes and Fred Bisset who along with other local groups organised decorations.
Grant Park and was gifted to the town by Sir Alexander Grant who is now maybe best known as being managing director of McVitie’s and developing the recipe of the digestive biscuit. This year on August 24, there will be a celebration of Sir Alexander Grant in the park. You can find out more about this and buy tickets for this celebration here.
Grant Park has traditional gardens and the floral sculptures form the centrepiece for the Forres entries in the “Britain and Scotland in Bloom” competitions.
The park has also been the arena for many events including the Forres Highland Games which attracts competitors and visitors from all over the world. The Games traditionally take place on the first weekend of July. To find out more and to buy tickets for the Games which will take place on July 6, click here.
Also each year, thousands of locals flock to the park to watch the fireworks display which is organised by Forres Rotary Club.
For six years, between 2013 and 2018, Grant Park was the location of Piping At Forres the European Pipe Band Championships which again put the spotlight on Forres with bands competing from across the globe! The event also include the Highland dancing, sideshows and The World Tattie Scone Contest!
Pictures from Piping At Forres courtesy GnBri Photography
You now need to return to Instruction 4 on your trail map where you need to look out for Ben the Piper – see right!