Forres Heritage Trust opens Nelson's Tower to the public for the tourist season

A PROMINENT local tourist attraction was opened to the skirl of the pipes on Saturday.

Piper Scott Hay marked the annual re-opening of Nelson's Tower with performances attended by visitors and volunteer attendees from building custodians Forres Heritage Trust (FHT).

Trustee Peter Haworth is in charge of the volunteer tour guide timetable - two at a time open the tower from 2-4pm every day from April to September.

Peter said: "The opening went very well. Scott played his pipes at the entrance and from the top - he sounded superb.

"The weather was very good to us - we could clearly see the snow-capped hills in the distance.

"Most importantly we had a good number of visitors of all ages."

Nelson’s Tower has been a popular feature of Forres since its inception in 1806 and opening on Trafalgar Day 1812. The building was funded by local subscription and was the first such monument to Admiral Nelson anywhere.

Its 360-degree vista includes north over the the Moray Firth to the hills of Caithness and west towards Ullapool.

The tower has been open daily to the public from April to September since 2012. Due to coronavirus restrictions, it was unable to open in 2020 but still managed last August and September.

Prior to opening this year, the monument was cleaned, displays on its two floors tidied and its cannons repainted.

Peter said: "We currently have a loyal and friendly band of volunteers who help us maintain the place. They include those who help the visitors and others with the day-to-day upkeep.

"Our volunteers each cover between one afternoon per month and one afternoon per week. We are primarily responsible for ensuring that every visitor has an enjoyable and safe visit. This involves opening and closing, welcoming our visitors, managing their safety and flow as well as raising and lowering the Red Ensign to indicate that the Tower is open."

He added: "Nelson's Tower is very important to the heritage and history of Forres. Its most popular feature is the absolutely stunning view from the top which provides an unforgettable experience.

"Visit numbers depend on the season, weather, holidays and high days but average out at approximately 450 visitors per month.

"There is no charge for admission, we only ask for a donation to help with the upkeep and to support the work of the trust."

FHT chairman George Alexander is delighted the tower has re-opened.

He said: "This is only possible because of the dedicated volunteers who step forward to make opening possible."

Watch Scott's towering performance at

Visit www.forresheritage.co.uk for more information.