The Nicholson Building is demolished

The Nicholson Building on St Catherine’s Road has been demolished. Built in the late 19th century or early 20th, the building was originally the Forres Carriage and Motor Works. It was sold to Peter Stuart Nicolson in 1933 and later named in his memory. In 1998 it was restored by the Moray Furniture Store Company … Read more

Graham Leadbitter

Leadbitter calls for VAT cut to give hospitality businesses a ‘fighting chance’

SNP MP, Graham Leadbitter, has given his backing to a campaign calling on the Chancellor to reduce VAT for hospitality businesses. A UK Parliament petition in favour of the campaign has been shared widely by businesses in his Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey constituency, which is home to the second most signatories of the petition … Read more

Mercat Cross restored to former glory as stonemasons replace last four finials

Work to restore a town centre monument is nearling completion. Scaffolding has gone up again around the Mercat Cross at the very heart of Forres. Stonemason’s have returned to replace four finials that were removed as they started to crumble. George Alexander, a trustee with the Forres Heritage Trust said: “This is the final step … Read more

Rocket-maker Orbex is to appoint administrators after funding bids fail

The Forres-based orbital launch services company and space rocket manufacturer, Orbex, is in the process of appointing administrators after fundraising, merger and acquisition opportunities all concluded unsuccessfully.   Orbex has filed a notice of intention to appointment Administrators and will continue trading while all options for the future of the company are explored, including potential sale … Read more

Erskine centre in Forres celebrates year of ‘lifeline’ service for veterans

Erskine Veterans Charity was delighted to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of its Forres-based Activity Centre, EVAC North, with a birthday party attended by almost 100 members. Staff and volunteers originally organised the party for the previous week; however, due to adverse weather, the event was delayed. The get-together more than made up … Read more

Local trio win top prize in national business contest to boost medical innovation

A local business team have propelled themselves to a top prize in a business contest. Specialist physiotherapy and rehabilitation team Dave Powney and Jude Simms from Forres, with Steve Ryan from Fochabers, have won the main prize of £85,000 in the leading business funding competition, Scottish EDGE. The trio who are recognised leaders in rehabilitation … Read more

Forres remembers – hundreds turn out to watch parade despite damp conditions

The rain cleared in time for the Remembrance Parade in Forres on Sunday 9 November. Hundreds of supporters lined the high street as the parade made its way from St Leonard’s Church to the war memorial. A small service will also take place on Tuesday 11 November (Armistice Day) at the memorial. Full pictorial coverage … Read more

Solar panel company focussed on one thing to outlast challenges of renewable sector

A renewable energy company has soared to success by focussing on a core product that has made it the longest established solar panel manufacturer in the whole of Europe. AES Solar was founded in 1979 to provide renewable energy systems, but now, some 45 years later, it nuilt a solid specialist reputation in the solar … Read more