Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme to invest millions in town’s regeneration

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) granted nearly £1million for the revitalisation of a Moray town centre as part of HES’s Heritage and Place Programme.

The project in Forres includes work to improve the state of traditional buildings within the town’s conservation area, as well as the availability of traditional skills for their maintenance through training and education.

Moray Council leader, Councillor Kathleen Robertson (Forres, Conservative), confirmed the local authority is administering the scheme.

She said: "I can’t wait to see the funding contribute to conserving, repairing and reopening vacant properties; the progression of the historical trail and more.

"The boost to the town is welcome and I thank HES for believing in our region enough to invest in our heritage, bringing funding to our rural communities.”

Moray Council was awarded the grant following successful Conservation Area Regeneration Scheme (CARS) projects in Keith and Elgin - grant-aiding over 60 properties and removing six from the Buildings at Risk Register, as well as creating 16 new jobs and bringing 3000 square meters of vacant floorspace back into re-use.

HES will distribute the £980,000 for the Forres Conservation Area - which features category ‘A’ properties at Tolbooth and 102 High Street, as well as a wide variety of architectural detail - over the next five years.

Investment will be made into sustainable care, to help make the town’s historic character become the heart of the community once more.

No specific properties have been selected for renovation yet. A vacant property study, which will include both ground and upper floors, is to be commissioned that, once complete, will guide decisions.

The Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme is in its early stages, with a newly appointed project officer due to begin in mid-July. He or she will focus on three grant schemes: Priority Buildings; Building Health Check Scheme; and Shop Front Improvement Scheme.

A council spokesperson said: “A key focus for the project officer will be to engage with property owners and occupiers to encourage take up of the grant schemes, with support offered throughout the process.

“With a number of priority projects identified, the project officer will contact owners directly and support will be offered to all grant applicants.”

HES offers guidance in the early-stage development. The National Lottery is working along HES to support the heritage-driven regeneration of Forres.

Fund director for Scotland, Caroline Clark, said: “Heritage sits at the heart of a place’s identity, adding depth, character and value. It helps connect people and communities to a place and boosts local economic prosperity.

“Our aim is to help to drive heritage and community-focused regeneration, helping local people to deliver long-term, sustainable improvements.”

Chairman of the Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme Partnership Management Group, George Alexander, said: "This project offers something for everyone, creating more opportunities for collaboration and connection - whether people are long-time supporters of heritage or engaging with it for the first time.

"After all the effort that went into shaping these plans, we’re thrilled to begin bringing them to life, with the same energy and enthusiasm that the Forres community is so well known for."

A heritage trail for residents and visitors will also be shaped through community engagement.

The Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme will also benefit from £790,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Grants as well as previous funding from the Place Based Investment Programme, Town Centre Capital Fund, Coastal Community Fund and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, bringing overall investment to £3.3 million.

For more information visit https://www.moraysgreatplaces.com/home/2024/3/20/forres-conservation-amp-heritage-scheme-partnership-management-group