Two of Forres’ most historic buildings will reopen to visitors at the end of this month just in time for the busy tourist season.
Nelson’s Tower will open on Saturday, March 28 with entry by donation, and from the beginning of April the Tolbooth will be open on Fridays and Saturdays 10-12am for walk-in visits which will cost £7.50 for those aged 16 and over.
The Tolbooth is owned by the Forres Heritage Trust which also looks after Nelson’s Tower on behalf of Moray Council.
Nelson’s Tower, which was built by public subscription and opened in 1812, will be open every day from 2-4pm until the end of September and it’s a popular attraction for visitors to the town.
The Tower has two memorabilia rooms, one dedicated to the town and the other focusing on Lord Nelson himself.
Visitors can then ascend the final steps to enjoy the views across the Moray Firth and beyond.
On the Tolbooth tour, people are led through the old police office and cells, through the courtroom and eventually up to the clocktower where they can enjoy views of the town centre.
Peter Haworth, a Forres Heritage Trust trustee and volunteer co-ordinator said:
“We have a team of volunteers who have been working hard over the winter months to make sure that Nelson’s Tower and the Tolbooth are ready to receive visitors again.
“Both buildings are well worth a visit and each year we look at how we can improve on the experience.
“The Tolbooth tour can be quite interactive as we give people the opportunity to have their fingerprints done and their photo captured at the rogues’ gallery.”
The Forres Heritage Trust is run entirely by volunteers and the number is diminishing as Peter explained:
“Right now, we need people to welcome visitors to both monuments.
“We have had a few new volunteers, and are very grateful to those who have signed up to work with us, but we still need some more if we are to continue to open to the public as we do now.
“All we ask is that our volunteers can give a warm welcome, we don’t expect people to have all the knowledge about the buildings.”
Sixteen-year-old Travis Bremner is one of the new volunteers, he said:
“I am more than happy to be a part of the Forres Heritage Trust, I think it will be very rewarding, and I am looking forward to meeting remarkable people from all over the world and being able to chat to them.
“I decided to volunteer with the Trust as I am deeply interested in local history and the Tolbooth and the Tower and I’m inspired by the stories and fascinating history that both venues and learning more about each of them.”
If you would like to help out please email fhtvolunteers@outlook.com or contact them through their website https://forresheritage.co.uk
Bespoke tours of the Tolbooth, out with the Friday and Saturday walk-ins can be arranged by emailing: tolboothtoursfht@aol.com or through https://forresheritage.co.uk
