Tolbooths future taken on trust

ONE of Forres’ most iconic landmarks is going into the custody of the community after Moray Council approved the transfer of ownership of Forres Tolbooth to the local heritage trust.

In 2010, the council declared the Tolbooth buildings on the High Street surplus to the local authority’s requirements and called a halt to its spending on the upkeep of the historic 12th Century landmark.

Forres Heritage Trust (FHT) has managed and maintained the Tolbooth since then.

Now, following approval from the council’s policy and resources committee last week, the FHT has taken ownership of the Tolbooth under the auspices of an official community asset transfer and it is committed to opening the historic building to the public.

"We are absolutely delighted with the news," said FHT chairman James "Flicker" Duncan. "It’s almost three years since John Mackenzie started off our bid at St Leonard’s Church Hall and everyone involved at the Trust is over the moon.

"We only have the lease for a year, but it’s a start."

Mr Duncan said that his team of volunteers has a lot of work to do at the site.

The walls are to be repainted and the stairwell banisters fitted with additional spars to fill gaps and comply with health and safety requirements.

Disabled access will also be opened up to give access to the upper floors for visitors.

Fellow FHT member John Mackenzie said the dedication of local volunteers and the support of the Forres public for the trust’s work with the Tolbooth had swayed the council into handing custody of the building over on a one-year lease.

The success of the venue when used for public open days, exhibitions and the recent flood alleviation consultation meeting also highlighted the potential of a refurbished Tolbooth.

"This is a positive step towards unlocking the doors of the Tolbooth to the people of Forres," said Mr MacKenzie.

"Natives and newcomers have shown a great interest in what we are doing.

"There’s not a lot of money around at the moment but we hope that with their continued support we can get even more use out of the building."

Forres Heritage Trust and its volunteers have already upgraded the rent office with a new carpet and a fresh coat of paint, using their own funds and grants from the LEADER and Awards For All scehemes.

"We want the Tolbooth to be restored properly," said Mr Duncan.

"It is a listed building, so we can’t just do anything we want to it.

they are meeting with Historic Scotland to discuss the way ahead

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