Grant Park Natural Arena
Grant Park in Forres, along the Moray Coast, is a beautiful environment to visit and experience the natural beauty of the changing seasons. It has a rich history dating back to the late 19th century and was established as a public park in the 1880s as the land was donated by Sir Alexander Grant, a local businessman and philanthropist, making it a noteworthy part of Forres’ heritage. Grant park was created as a natural space for the local community to enjoy and given that it is on our doorstep, it offers a lovely destination for walks and relaxing time out. Some of our team recently took a trip to Grant Park and captured the beauty in the following photos.
The Development of Grant Park
Grant Park has developed over the years and while being maintained as a recreational space, with stunning gardens, walking routes, play areas, it also features sports facilities including a cricket pitch and pavilion and bowling green and pavilion. It has also served as a venue for a range of events and activities. The renowned ‘Highland Games’ have been played at Grant Park for many years and between 2013 and 2018, the ‘European Pipe Band Championships’ were held in the park attracting up to 15,000 people from all over the world. Fabulous events to attend!
Along the northern edge of the park you will find traditional floral gardens and a sunken garden. Both form the centrepiece for competition entries such as ‘Scotland in Bloom’. Forres has won many accolades for its gardens over the years, including a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for the team who consistently tend the gardens year after year. The sunken garden was built on the site of Forres House which was sadly destroyed by fire in 1970.
Along the boundaries of Grant Park are the Cluny Hill woodlands, St Leonard’s Road, the high Street and a car park.
Grant Park: The Sale of 1922
Grant Park has been in the hands of the local community for 100 years. However, back in 1922 Forres House and its gardens were put up for sale with an asking price of £5000. This was gifted by Alexander Grant plus an additional £1000 for the layout of a public park in 1924. Thankfully, we all can enjoy this charming, tranquil outdoor space.
Visiting Forres? Stay with us..
If you are visiting Forres, we offer accommodation in our traditional Farmhouse. Our 6-bedroom, self-catering farmhouse is situated on Riverview Country Park and available from £200 per night. Visit our website or call us on 01309 672000 for enquiries or to arrange a booking.