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Historic photos of Forres unearthed





A group of volunteers dedicated to documenting local history have discovered more pictures of times past.

Forres Heritage Trust (FHT) member Ray Mills has processed photographs of local schools and businesses from the early part of the last century, donated by a Tolbooth Historic Photograph Exhibition attendee from England who has ancestors from this area.

Alexander Fraser and Co Ltd, Glenburgie Distllery workmen, pictured circa 1917.
Alexander Fraser and Co Ltd, Glenburgie Distllery workmen, pictured circa 1917.

Ray explained: “Angus Archibald and his wife Cathy, from the village of Denham in South Buckinghamshire, donated old family photographs which they thought might be of interest.

“Angus’ grandfather, William Archibald, lived and worked in Kinloss. He had three children - Jean, William and Angus’ father Arthur - all of whom appear in the pictures which include school photos of Kinloss Primary and Forres Academy in 1934.”

He added: “Jean was in quite a few of the shots, as she worked most of her life with Macbeth’s, the family butcher formerly at 20 High Street. A few of the photographs pertained to that business.

“One of the pictures was also discovered to be of Glenburgie Distillery workers in 1917. Angus believes that one of them could be another relative of his - potentially a great-grandfather - which he intends to research.”

Angus Archibald with Jim Hasman. Enlargements of nine of the donated photos are on the table top.
Angus Archibald with Jim Hasman. Enlargements of nine of the donated photos are on the table top.

Ray scanned the photos, enlarged them then added captions with as much information as he could find. He then printed and laminated them for display at the next FHT photographic exhibition in May.

He said: “Donations with a strong, local heritage connection are always welcome. I encourage anyone with old photographs of interest, to bring them along for copying and return.”

Angus told Ray that his grandfather, William Archibald, played bowls at Grant Park Bowling Club. The exhibition attendee had also brought a small, solid, hallmarked-silver trophy inscribed ‘Grant Park B.C., Challenge Cup, won by W Archibald 1947’ which he wished to donate to the club.

Through fellow FHT volunteer, Billy Laing, Ray contacted secretary Jim Hasman, who gratefully received the trophy on behalf of the club.

Jim confirmed that next year will be its centenary - formation happened the year after Grant Park and the bowling green officially opened in August, 1924.

“The cup is a great addition to our trophy collection for next year’s celebrations,” said Jim. “The small trophy was likely awarded to the winner along with the full sized Challenge Cup. I will investigate further!”

For more information visit forresheritage.co.uk



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