Forres Heritage Trust opening Nelson's Tower and the Tolbooth to visitors from April to September
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TWO of Forres’ historic buildings will open to visitors in time for the tourist season.
Nelson’s Tower and the new Tolbooth experience will open on April 1 in just the second year that tours of the later have been available.
The new tour - open to the public on the first Saturday of each month until September - allows visitors into the old police office, through to the cells, up into the back corridors to the courtroom then finally up to the clock tower parapet to enjoy panoramic views.
Forres Heritage Trust chairman George Alexander confirmed the group owns the Tolbooth and has an agreement with Moray Council for use of Nelson’s Tower.
He said: “Last year’s trial Tolbooth tours were very successful. As we rely on volunteers to open both buildings, we have decided to do them on the first Saturday of every month. There will be 11 tours on each so there will be plenty of opportunity over the six months to book and enjoy the experience. Last year, children enjoyed getting their fingerprints taken, viewing the rogues’ gallery and having their pictures taken against the mugshot wall. People also loved the beauty of the courtroom and the views across Forres from the clocktower were popular.”
Nelson’s Tower will be open every day from 2-4pm to the end of September.
Volunteer co-ordinator Peter Haworth said information boards in the rooms that lead up to the viewing platform have been refreshed.
He explained: “We have two main rooms that people can access as they ascend the tower. The displays are now clearer. The first floor room is now dedicated to Nelson himself and the second floor room focuses more on the tower and the town.”
Visiting Nelson’s Tower is by donation via cash or card and does not require booking.
However, to visit the Tolbooth, book at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/forres-heritage-trust
If you wish to visit Nelson’s Tower or Tour the Tolbooth out with the set hours, visit our website www.forresheritage.co.uk and use the contact page to make a request.
