Forres Heritage Trust lights up Tolbooth, Mercat Cross and Nelson's Tower to create interest and increase tourism
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THREE historic monuments in Forres have been officially ‘lit up’ following a three-year project.
On Saturday late afternoon, around 70 VIPs were welcomed to the Tolbooth to witness it, and the Mercat Cross being lit up - the guests were greeted by a piper and shown a short film showcasing the illumination of Nelson’s Tower on Cluny Hill.
Forres Heritage Trust own the Tolbooth and look after Nelson’s Tower.
Trustees Bill Budge and Bob James took the lead on the project, working with consultants and architects and gaining the planning permission. They also secured over £120k of funding.
Mr Budge said: “We are thrilled with the result. The benefit this will bring to Forres is immense. Apart from highlighting these beautiful and historic buildings, we want the public to visit these places and enjoy educational, social and positive experiences.
"We also hope increased visitor numbers will produce corresponding economic benefits for businesses here, as well as for FHT to allow us to continue the vital work we undertake in allowing access to buildings which otherwise couldn’t be the case.”
He added: “To do what we have achieved has not been an easy task, primarily as we are dealing with listed buildings which need particular care when working with.
"Also, the project needed substantial funding. We were supported by Scottish Landfill Communities Fund funded by Moray Council, Berry Burn Community Fund, The Budge Foundation, The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation and Forres Features who organisedColours of Cluny.
"This project would not have been possible without the support of these funders.”
Mr James confirmed the project has been a long time in planning.
He said: "The official lighting event welcomed key players in the project and the establishment of FHT to witness the first illumination.
"These buildings are part of Forres’ rich history. Lighting them up will make them a beacon and encourage interest - and tourism - for the buildings themselves but also create a feature for the people of Forres to enjoy.
"One of our key considerations was the ongoing cost and the environment so Nelson’s Tower will use the same power in a week that a domestic kettle does in a day, and the Mercat Cross about a month of light for a day’s kettle.
"The lights come on only after sunset and are programmed to go out at 11pm when the clock stops chiming.
"There will also be no light spill as the lights are precision made-to-order for each location.”
