Nelson's Tower, Tolbooth and Mercat Cross to be lit up by Forres Heritage Trust
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THREE local monuments are set to be lit up after receiving planning permission and £50,000 funding.
Moray Council has granted permission to custodians Forres Heritage Trust (FHT) to illuminate Nelson’s Tower, the Tolbooth and the Mercat Cross - the trust has also secured £30,000 from Berry Burn Community Fund, £15,000 from Colours of Cluny organisers, Forres Features Limited, as well as £5000 from The Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation.
FHT trustees Bob James and Bill Budge are leading on the project.
Bob said: “To complete the project we will need around £111,000 in total, so whilst these donations are significant, the trust is still exploring ways to secure the rest of the money required.”
He added: “These buildings are part of Forres’ rich history and lighting them up will create a beacon, encouraging interest and tourism as well as features for locals to enjoy.”
FHT has employed international lighting design company RYBKA to deliver the scheme with award-winning Forres-based LDN Architects who also have a track record of involvement in projects with strong heritage connections. Both companies are offering their services at reduced rates, recognising FHT is a registered charity.
FHT member Bill Budge said: “This project was part of a public consultation that was part of Moray Council’s strategic plan.
“The only conditions the local authority have imposed are that we submit detailed drawings of our cable runs and that we restore any disturbance to its previous condition.
“We had an ecology survey carried out which established that we will not disturb bats’ roosts or foraging routes.
“We will also have an archaeological watch over trenches we may need to dig around the Tolbooth and cross as the town has medieval origins and we need to record any finds.”
He added: “The lighting will allow the buildings to be illuminated in appropriate colour schemes to reflect events such as Armistice Day, St Andrew’s Day, Christmas Day, to name but a few.”
