With the best flower displays in Britain set in a stunning location with a packed events calendar, Forres is one of the north’s most desirable communities.
Moray’s second biggest town is famed for its stunning floral displays and historic Grant Park in the shadow of leafy Cluny Hill.
The tranquil Findhorn Bay is just a short distance away.
Slightly less well known, though, is that it is the birthplace of the inventor of the digestive biscuit. He is one Sir Alexander Grant, after whom the park is named.
Businessman Alan James is Forres born and bred with a family background in farming.
Today he is managing director of his own firm AJ Engineering, which this year is celebrating 25 years in business.
He is also a deputy lord lieutenant.
Like many in Forres, he has embraced his home community as a director of Forres Events Ltd. He is also a trustee of the Leanchoil Trust and joint vice president of the Forres and District Pipe Band.
We asked Alan for his top five things that make Forres such an attractive place to live and work.
Packed events calendar in Grant Park
The amphitheatre of Grant Park lends itself to being a natural home for huge events in a stunning location.
Previously, it was home to the European Pipe Band Championships and this year hosted the British competition.
Every year volunteers organise the Highland Games, now heading into its 97th year, as well as a bonfire and fireworks display.
Alan helped organise the European Pipe Band Championships as a Forres Events director.
He said: “Every year from 2013 to 2018, pipe bands from across the globe descended on our small town to compete.
“The town became famous and revered for the way the event was run. But more importantly, the warm welcome the visitors received from the local folk and volunteers.”
Forres in Bloom
Fore more than 30 years Forres in Bloom has been nurturing a reputation for spreading colour and nature across the town.
Every year up to 20,000 flowers are planted on the High Street, parks and other locations.
This year, the group won a coveted gold award at Britain in Bloom.
Alan said: “We cannot talk about Forres without talking about Forres in Bloom.
“Again, a group of volunteers who literally keep the town blooming with some of the most epic floral displays, baskets, planters and roundabout floral displays almost all year round.
“The local authority has, fortunately, continued to cut the grass. Due to budget cuts they now leave all the floral displays to the volunteers.”
Enviable location
Forres is on the Laich of Moray, which is an area of flat ground that stretches between Fochabers and Nairn up to the coast.
It is famed for its rich farmland, productive forests and has one of the driest climates in the whole of Scotland.
Alan said: “Forres for me is a great place to live both from a geographical point of view but also because of its climate.
“We are beautifully placed between the Highland capital to the west and Aberdeen to the east. The village of Findhorn and its pristine beaches is just a five minute drive away.
“The famous Spey and Findhorn rivers are within easy reach along with the stunning Cairngorms to the south.”
Fascinating history
Forres’ long history as a bustling town stretches back to when it was established as a Royal Burgh in 1140.
However, its heritage stretches long before that with the mysterious 9th Century Sueno’s Stone still standing proudly.
Cluny Hill has a history of cricket matches as well as not-so-savoury tales of witchcraft and wizardry.
Today the Forres Heritage Trust is active in caring for the historic Tolbooth and Nelson’s Tower.
Alan said: “The Tolbooth has been lovingly restored and alongside Nelson’s Tower is a key tourist destination or place for the local people and school children to go to learn about the historical importance of the two buildings.”
Thriving community spirit
Forres has long had a history of a thriving community spirit that has attracted many to move to the Moray town.
For all the reasons above, it has encouraged many families to make the region home after discovering it.
Alan said: “More recently, the town and its community has been positively influenced by the people ‘sent north’ to be based at the former RAF Kinloss, and now those who are there as members of the 39 Engineer Regiment.
“These former and current military personnel have played a huge part in shaping our town and have contributed massively to Forres.
“Many of the folk now, who run groups or are involved in the likes of the Scouts, Air Cadets, Forres Soccer Sevens, the pipe band etc, have been deployed here and decided to stay here, and why wouldn’t they?”
Read more from Forres
- Revealed: The 10 options being considered for future of stunning St Laurence Church in Forres
- New scans of Sueno’s Stone crack historic mysteries and paint picture of Viking invasions
- How Forres man uses 1980s machines to make 35,000 pairs of socks a year
Conversation