Academy at Lochyhill ‘impractical’ say council as plans start for 2028 opening at Roysvale

A new Forres Academy aims to be open in 2028 at Roysvale, Moray Council has confirmed, citing Lochyhill as impractical. The local authority is moving forward with the new educational establishment to deliver a modern, sustainable learning environment for local pupils, with the detailed design phase of the project now starting. Chair of the Education, … Read more

Volunteers urged to sign up to help run Falconer Museum

A viable way forward for the Falconer Museum has been outlined in a report, and local people are being urged to express their interest in volunteering with a deadline jut days away. The recommendations can be read in two Culture Radar reports, published on the Moray Council website: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_572.html The council still has to discuss … Read more

Council to ban use of mobile phones in all Moray schools from August

Moray Council has decided to ban mobile phone use in schools, aiming to reduce distractions and promote positive learning environments. The new approach will take effect from August 2025 and follows a consultation involving parents, carers, pupils and school staff. The result of the survey, that received 3,283 responses, was 73% of respondents in favour … Read more

Workshops offer alternative techniques for creating bespoke sterling silver jewellery

A goldsmith and bladesmith, who moved to Forres from South Africa to be closer to the Scottish Highlands, is now sharing her skills in a series of workshops. River Wyoming Yaffe has recently opened her business Zorya Zhavia at 86 High Street, Forres, and includes a retail and manufacturing section. She designs, builds prototypes and … Read more

140-year-old ‘Nancy Animata’ is taking girl-power from Forres to The Netherlands

The bedazzling House of Automata is open for the 2025 season, cultivating curiosity with its clockwork creations and amazing animatronics But it’s also the last chance to see Nancy, the life-size breathing lady, at least for a while. She’s off on her travels for six months, on loan to the Design Museum Den Bosch in … Read more

Local pubs urged to adopt ‘lifeline’ codeword as part of licensing application

Protecting women from unwanted attention or harassment in bars and licensed premises could get a boost should new proposals be accepted by councillors. The ‘Ask For Angela’ scheme is designed to provide a lifeline to those experiencing a date going wrong or are anxious about the company they are with in bars and restaurants. All … Read more