St Laurence Church, Forres, may have an alternative future

One of the town’s most impressive historic buildings may have an alternative future thanks to the new group dedicated to it.

A total of 52 attending a public meeting at St Laurence Church on Tuesday, April 22 appeared to support Forres St Laurence Trust’s (FSLT) application to become a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SCIO) - as well as the suggestion that the group applies for funding for projects including converting the Victorian place of worship into a venue for varied events and activities.

Author of pamphlet ‘Forres Parish Church of St Laurence: eight centuries of Christian worship and trustee, Norman Thomson, confirmed the meeting chaired by outgoing Lord Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymour Monro comprised reports from trustees on repurposing work to provide facilities and opportunities.

He said: “The meeting endorsed plans to submit applications for grants from the Scottish Land Fund and other sources to acquire the building from the Church of Scotland, to provide a 500-seat wedding, arts, performance and events venue hosting religious services, and use of its subsidiary annexe as a community hub.

“The attendees agreed the importance of working with corresponding teams at the Tolbooth and Forres Town Hall to ensure that events and activities are not duplicated.”

The final service at St Laurence took place on the last Sunday of 2024 after the Church of Scotland decided that keeping it open as purely a place of worship is “no longer missionally or economically justifiable”.

If the trustees are successful in obtaining an initial grant, the plan is to commission detailed, independent surveys required to negotiate a purchase price, create a feasibility study then a five year business plan to ensure a long term, sustainable future.

Norman added: “If successful, and further funding is obtained in November, community ownership could take place before the end of this year!

“Applications for grants depend on demonstration of widespread support from the area: tangible evidence is many applications for membership.”

Application forms for free membership will be available throughout the town shortly.

“Every Forres citizen is asked to spend a couple of minutes completing a form,” said Norman. “This does not involve any direct commitment, although, as campaigning gets under way, it is hoped that some members at least will want to become active volunteers.”

Fundraising will start in the next few months.

“We hope that many residents will make gifts and donations to the trust help cover acquisition costs,” finished Norman, “and build a fund to ensure long term sustainability.”

For more information contact Norman via ndt4@btinternet.com or 07549 072500.