Leanchoil hits significant milestone as keys are handed over to local community trust

Ownership of the former Leanchoil Hospital has been formally transferred to the Leanchoil Trust on behalf of the Forres community. This marks a significant milestone in the long‑term project to bring the historic site back into community use.  The transfer was completed this week following the recent approval of the Trust’s planning application for the refurbishment and conservation of the … Read more

Inside the new 70-seater sustainable cafe coming to Moray Waste Busters this summer

The operators of a new café that will be at the heart of a sustainable waste recycling centre promises that customers will be ‘blown away’ when it opens later this year. As Moray Waste Busters plan their new facility at the Forres Enterprise Park, we spoke exclusively to the people behind the new eating facility … Read more

Forres groups and organisations get share of £90k in latest Berry Burn wind farm payout

Fourteen projects, including 10 in Forres have benefited from the latest round of awards from the Berry Burn Community Fund, which has recently approved grants totalling £90,869. Applications received totalled more than double the amount of funds available, therefore it was not possible to help everyone, no matter how worthy the cause. This latest round … Read more

Grants on offer for renovations to older buildings in conservation area

Owners of traditional properties in the Forres Conservation Area are being invited to register their interest in a funded Building Health Check survey as part of the Forres Conservation and Heritage Scheme (FCHS). The Building Health Check survey helps identify any external repair needs, such as work to roofs, stonework, traditional windows, doors, skylights, or … Read more

Leanchoil reaches ‘important milestone’ with planning consent for multi-purpose centre

A major stage in the development of the former Leanchoil Hospital has been reached with planning approval by Moray Council to conserve and re-purpose the Category B listed buildings to a health and wellbeing centre, along with a new 41-unit supported housing facility. Once completed the main building will feature consulting rooms, a physio and rehabilitation … Read more

Residents and business invited to have a say on public space proposals

Residents and business owners are being invited to help shape proposals to enhance four key public spaces in Forres at an upcoming community drop-in event. The public realm project will bring forward enhancements to four significant town centre locations: The session will take place at the Tolbooth on Friday 20 March 2026, with two opportunities … Read more

23-year-old Kiera leads new generation of female engineers with inspiring award

A young woman who started an apprenticeship with a Forres company, has won an award for her inspiring work to encourage other young women into a male-dominated industry. Kiera Wright, who joined AES Renewables through a graduate apprenticeship in 2021, has developed into a skilled engineer working across PV design, grid compliance and technical support. … Read more