Moray Councillor and celebrant Draeyk van der Horn is opening an art gallery, workshop and office at 128 High Street, Forres
A MORAY Councillor and businessman is opening a new shop in the centre of Forres.
Draey van der Horn (Forres, Greens) is renovating 128 High Street - formally Sue’s News - with the intention of turning it into a community art gallery, workshop and office.
He said: “My aim is to create a vibrant space that serves the people of Forres, visitors, and online customers. It will be a mixed-use interior featuring a gallery wall, local crafters' space, workshop/demonstration area, and a consultation area.
“As a registered Scottish Celebrant, I plan to meet clients here and envision it as a social and meeting space for discussing local issues as a councillor.”
Celebrants conduct formal ceremonies such as celebrations, honouring lives lost, welcoming new lives or identities, or marking important rites of passage including marriage.
Draeyk’s new venture will build upon his family's connection to Scotland’s Gaelic lore, as well as his husband’s work as an artist and director of Moray Art Centre.
He added: “I plan to integrate my work as a speculative fiction writer, food networker, landscape architect, and conservation manager.
“The shop will celebrate nature and the influences of Pict, Celt, and Norse culture, mythos, and history which could lead to exciting collaborations!
“I look forward to discussing these possibilities with local collectors and creatives. If any local artist of crafter would like to be showcased in the space can they get in touch via www.draeyk.com.”
Draeyk has previously designed and run cafes, restaurants, and community spaces. He has also planned gardens and outdoor spaces.
“This project integrates several ideas into one space,” said Draeyk. “Being indoors will be a new challenge for me, as I am more of an outdoors person, but it will be a useful office space away from home.”
His team has been renovating 128 High Street since the start of the year. Their rebuild aims to create a flexible, inviting space that will bring in increased light, texture, and colour. It features wood from Logie Sawmill and reuse of old materials.
“We needed to update the shop to modern sustainable and environmental standards,” added Draeyk. “It now has improved insulation, rewiring, fire safety measures, double glazing, an acoustic ceiling, new flooring, a storeroom, and toilets.
“We peeled it back to its raw state, revealing old masonry and materials that celebrate its history. We aim to keep as much as we can, ending up with a sympathetic but modern interior.”
Passionate about the community that he represents, Draeyk is keen to play his part in rejuvenating the centre of Forres.
He finished: “I want to build something new and create a business that celebrates life. I enjoy challenges and live by an "if not now, when?" philosophy.
“While I can't reveal the shop's name and full content just yet, watch this space!”
