Forres Tolbooth toasts its new collection
SLAINTE! Forres town centre is set to join the Moray whisky trail with a new project taking place at the Tolbooth.
The town’s historic landmark, which once held many a local in the cells, who had consumed too much of the “water of life” is to exhibit a massive collection of whisky memorabilia.
Collector John Mackintosh is eager to show his home town the artefacts he has amassed over 20 years while living in Elgin and working in distilleries throughout Moray.
“I belong to Forres and I know the heritage folk here,” he said. “They have given me a chance to display my collection and if there is enough interest I plan to donate the lot to them permanently.”
Forres Heritage Trust (FHT) were given custody of the Tolbooth by Moray Council last December. They have been re-decorating the interior with the intention of using the venue for public meetings, open days and exhibitions.
John Mackintosh read about the plans for the future of the iconic building and contacted the FHT to see if they would be interested in showing his collection. He is absolutely delighted with how things have worked out: “This venture is a dream come true for me,” he said.
John moved to Elgin 48 years ago and worked in the Milton Duff, Glenburgie and Glentauchers distilleries for 28 years. It was during this time that he began collecting whisky-related artefacts, everything from bottles to tools, literature and clothing was stored in his house, garage and work space. His “whisky room” had eight shelving units packed with whisky paraphernalia.
“I went through to Elgin to see John’s collection - it was unbelievable,” said FHT member, Flicker Duncan. “I put it to the other trustees and they were very interested in doing something with it. I’m very excited about this project. It’ll take off and add another dimension to the Tolbooth.”
FHT want to open a collection display in the police station at the Tolbooth by May - in time for the Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival, and the European Pipe Band Championships later in the summer. Some of the items were shown as a taster during the Old Photographic Exhibition and tour at the Tolbooth last week. The rest are being stored in the Tolbooth cells until the display room in the old Tolbooth police station has been repainted and it’s floor covered.
“We’ll make sure everything is done right,” said Flicker. “It’ll be something else to bring visitors to the town.”
Fellow FHT trustee, Tom Logie, pointed out that the exhibition would not be in competition with Benromach, Dallas Dhu or anyone else in the area.
“We’re not trying to promote drinking either but this area is a whisky world,” he said. “Our collection is so diverse that it covers the whole industry. Most companies will only display their own brands but we’ll show the national product as a whole while highlighting the whisky from this area in particular.”