Missing dog: Black labrador, Dunphail area

[UPDATE] The dog has been found, and the owners want to thank everyone for their support. A black labrador has been missing since around 5pm today (Tuesday 26 January), and concern for the ageing animal is growing as night falls and snow is falling. A message on the Facebook page of ‘Forbeshill Spaniels’ reads: “I’ve … Read more

Comedy haggis hunt video racks up 40,000 views for hotel in lockdown

Two Forres businessmen have got their heads together and come up with a comedy collaboration that has been seen more than 40,000 times on Facebook, and still counting. Lloyd Kenny, from the Cluny Bank Restaurant and Rooms on St Leonard’s Road furloughed himself on Boxing Day as the country went into lockdown, and hospitality venues … Read more

Andy Wardley turned up to direct traffic and got the highest Rotary Club honour

A long-serving member of Forres Rotary Club had an unexpectd surprise when he turned up for yet another voluntary gesture. Andy Wardley immediately offered to help out at the Forres Health Centre when the call went round for helpers to man the car parks during the Covid-19 vaccine rollout today (23 January). While on duty, … Read more

Orbex sponsors national rocket-building championship and encourages gender diversity

A space engineering company based in Forres is sponsoring a national rocket-making competition, which includes a deal to encourage gender-diversity. Orbex, based at the Enterprise Park, will be the title sponsor of 2020-21 UKSEDS Orbex National Rocketry Championship. The 2020-21 championship challenges teams to design, build and launch a mid-power rocket with the primary goal … Read more

Graduate post heralds launch of rural energy efficiency project

Finderne Development Trust (FDT) has announced that it will launch a new project for the area which will help increase the energy efficiency of households. And with it, comes a role for a new Community Energy Graduate.  Pery Zakeri, FDT Development Manager, explained, “With its many traditional buildings, there are great opportunities for energy efficiency … Read more

Click-and-collect now only for essentials, takeaways limited to doorways and hatches

The First Minister has made further ‘regrettable but necessary’ restrictions to control the spread on Covid-19. On Wednesday Nicola Sturgeon announced the following additional restrictions and amendments Click and collect Only retailers offering essential items will be allowed to offer ‘click and collect’. This will include food, clothes, footwear, baby items, books and homeware. All … Read more

Love will line streets of Forres on Valentine’s weekend

An artistic and imaginative project that will show how much love shines all around us, is coming to Forres. The Window Wanderland is billed as a fun community project, and something that everyone can get involved with. Illuminations have been key to lifting spirits of people constrained by the pandemic. Brodie Castle featured a month-long … Read more

Businesses closed in Level 4 to get financial boost on top of grant

Hospitality, retail and leisure businesses will get between £6000 and £25,000 on top of other grants if they have been closed by the Level 4 restrictions. The significant top-up to the grant support follows an announcement by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes. In addition to the grants businesses receive through the Strategic Business Framework Fund, eligible … Read more