Sometimes the worst brings out the best

BAD events often bring out the best in people and that has certainly been the case in Forres this week.

The vandalism at Cluny Hill Cemetery in April caused justified outrage and disgust in the town. It was a mindless act which destroyed so many memorials to people from Forres’ past.

But, as we report this week, our community has not let these vandals win. James ‘Flicker’ Duncan has mobilised a team of volunteers who over the course of two days last week restored much of the graveyard to its former glory.

Similar community strength has been found over the last year in the fight to save Leanchoil Hospital, closed to overnight patients since January of this year. The petition to keep it open now has more than 2,000 signatures and it has been clear from the high attendances at public meetings connected with the facility that we are prepared to fight to protect our local hospital.

And in the last week workmen have arrived at the hospital to start the repairs it needs to bring it up to the standard required by the modern National Health Service. Whilst there has been no definite date set for its reopening, all of Forres will be hoping the work is completed as soon as possible.

Also in the last year, Forres and the surrounding area has rallied following the news that RAF Kinloss is to cease being an air force base. Local businesses and citizens, along with this newspaper, have been at the forefront in campaigning for clarity over where its future lies.

We now have some idea what the future holds but as we report this week, public feeling on the arrival of the British Army is decidedly mixed. But with a community as strong as ours there can be no doubt that we will rise to whatever challenges this change brings.

FINALLY, you have probably noticed the new look for the ‘Gazette’ this week. We’re interested in what you think about it, so please let us know your opinions.