Groups prepare bids for heritage funding

Campaigners heading up redevelopment projects in Moray are preparing two bids worth a combined £4.1 million for Scottish Government funding.

The Forres Area Community Trust (Fact) wants to apply for £2.77m from the regeneration capital grant fund to complete its vision for Forres Town Hall, which it saved from closure.

Meanwhile, the Cabrach Trust is seeking £1.4m for its project to convert an abandoned farm into a historic distillery and heritage centre to showcase traditional methods used in the 19th Century, to attract visitors and

“Fact has already saved the Victorian town hall in Forres”

sustain jobs in the remote area.

Both applications will be discussed by Moray Council today due to the fund requiring the backing of a local authority for bids to be submitted.

Fact has already saved the Victorian town hall in Forres from being boarded up after signing a lease in 2018 and last year had a £75,000 offer to buy the building accepted by the council.

Development manager Debbie Heron explained the project would secure the future of the landmark by installing tiered seating for performances, creating 20 small offices available for rent and disabled access to the upper floors for the first time.

A report from Moray Council’s economic growth and regeneration manager, Reni Milburn, explained planning permission was already in place for the distillery project.

She said: “Collectively both Cabrach initiatives will provide employment for 15 people.”