Leadwork and stonework improvements around Forres Tolbooth clocktower
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REPLACEMENT and repair specialists are working on a walkway with spectacular views of Forres.
Scaffolding has been erected around the Tolbooth by contractors fixing the leadworks and stonework pointing of the walled passageway around the clocktower which owners Forres Heritage Trust (FHT) want to open up to locals and tourists alike.
FHT chairman, George Alexander, hopes the job will be finished by mid-October ahead of the final stage of the project.
He explained: "The walkway around the four faces of the clock is lined with lead supported by a wooden structure. Water has ingressed and rotted the wood so that the lead is sinking. This will have to be removed and replaced.
"Many of the joints between the stone blocks on the turrets around and above the clock faces are open and devoid of mortar and this allows water ingress. These joints need to be cleaned out and new mortar put in place."
AJ Engineering have already replaced the old wooden staircase to the tower with steel steps using £9375 from the Town Centre Regeneration Fund.
The Berry Burn Community Fund allocated £20,000 for the clocktower.
Mr Alexander added: "The scaffolding will not remain for the final stage in the overall project - designing an extension to the parapet around the walkway to satisfy health and safety regulations and Historic Environment Scotland."
