The closure of a well known Forres business following a downturn in its local retail operation was unexpected, coming just a couple of years after the fruit and vegetable operation changed hands.

The Fruit Orchard which traded from premises behind the High Street, near the Forres Co-op, shut its doors in the middle of September.

It was previously run by local businesswoman, Robbie Aird, but was taken over by Inverness businessman, Magnus Swanson, after Mrs Aird retired just couple of years ago.

Speaking to the 'Forres Gazette' last week, Mr Swanson said the mainstay of the business was the wholesale trade, which is still very much operational, but has been transferred to new larger premises in Elgin.

With shops in Nairn, Tain, Lossiemouth and Elgin, Mr Swanson said it was just the Forres shop which had been closed.

He added that the premises, which he owns, are already the subject of negotiation, and he hopes they will re-open in the future as a new business.

Meantime, the post office at the West End of the High Street – which was trading more recently as a Somerfield store – is now under new management.

Moray businessman, Paul McBain, who previously ran successful post office and convenience store businesses in Fochabers High Street and in Keith until he sold them in 2004, has taken over the Forres shop.

Mr McBain popped into the 'Gazette' office a few days prior to the take over on Friday, Seoptember 21, to say he was looking forward to running an establishment in Forres. The shop will be run as a Key Store, and the post office will continue to trade as normal.

Two eating houses have also been the subject of change. Premises which have been trading as an Oriental restaurant - the Shangahi Supreme are now on the market, after the business closed suddenly.

Meantime, a small vegetarian take-away and cafe which was located over the road, just along from the community centre, has also changed hands and is now trading as Picnic - a healthy eating take-away and bistro, under the mangement of Forres man, Kevin Riddoch.

Another new business set to arrive on the High Street later this month, is the Grampian Property Centre, which is opening in the premises formerly occupied by Video Drive-In.

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