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Nelson’s Tower is being opened to the public at night by Forres Heritage Trust





A group focused on local history has launched an events programme for the year ahead and two of the highlights are already sold out.

Nelson’s Tower will open at night for the first time from 7pm on Saturday, February 22 as part of a busy timetable for Forres Heritage Trust (FHT), which also features talks, exhibitions, open days and tours.

A detailed drone shot of the tower turret.Picture by Flying Mirrors Video & Photography
A detailed drone shot of the tower turret.Picture by Flying Mirrors Video & Photography

The first event of the year, a talk at the Tolbooth titled ‘The Rise and Fall of Forres Railways’ from trustee Michael Ellison, was so popular some attendees who hadn’t pre-booked had to be turned away at the door.

Trustee, Peter Haworth, co-ordinates the volunteers and helps organise the winter talks.

He said: “We have had a tremendous start, with Michael’s talk and the tower’s evening opening generating a lot of interest.

“Year-on-year, our events programme gets busier and people enjoy what we are doing. The demand emphasises the need to book our events.“

Nelson’s Tower will be open everyday from 2-4pm from Saturday, March 29 until the end of September.

Nelson’s Tower looking west.Picture by Flying Mirrors Video & Photography
Nelson’s Tower looking west.Picture by Flying Mirrors Video & Photography

“The idea of an evening opening came after suggestions from visitors,” said Peter. “They are keen to see, not only a night view of the surrounding area, but also the night sky.

“Some of the team have trialled it, and it is an extraordinary experience! If our visitors enjoy it, we may add more evening dates to the calendar.”

As well as looking after Nelson’s Tower on behalf of Moray Council, FHT owns and maintains the Tolbooth where its other events are staged.

“There is at least one event every month now,” said Peter. “We have some fascinating talks still to come starting with guest speaker Fiona Lockhart will regale us about life as a Border Reiver in 16th Century Northumbria.

“Following that, rescue co-ordinator Robbie Roberts will talk about survival.

Trustee Michael Ellison presenting The Rise and Fall of Forres Railways in the Tolbooth Courtroom.
Trustee Michael Ellison presenting The Rise and Fall of Forres Railways in the Tolbooth Courtroom.

“Finally, we are thrilled to be welcoming back Molly Carmichael who will deliver her talk on Sir Alexander Grant. She was here last year to tie in with the Grant Park 100 event.”

FHT opened the Tolbooth - formerly the town’s jail and courts - to tourists in 2022. Tours will also be available.

Trust chairman George Alexander explained: “Visitors are able to see the old police office and cells, as well as the courtroom. They can also enjoy a trip up to the parapet and around the recently refurbished clock tower.

“We have a hardcore group of volunteers who work tirelessly to preserve and renovate the building which really is worth seeing.”

For more information visit www.forresheritage.co.uk



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