Forres – A Remarkable History
1496 confirmed the appointment of the ancient town Forres as a Royal Burgh. It is here that a mysterious rise by the name of Castle Hill exists.
All that remains now is a name in many historical books, memories which have been slowly eroded and removed by many a passer-by. However, should you probe deeper into the dark depths of history it will reveal, through records, that in 900 AD there existed the Royal Castle in the small town of Forres. By the time William I became king of ancient Scotland, the mighty castle had become a royal hunting lodge.
Through many uncertain tales, mysteries and claims, there have come to the fore numerous stories of the beginning of this town. It has been whispered on the lips that Forres first appeared as Varis on a map penned by Ptolemy over two thousand years ago. Today it is believed by many to be the location of one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays – Macbeth.
Forres also provides great insight into the Pictish Era. On the eastern side of the town lies the Sueno’s Stone embodied in the mystical 22 foot Pictish sculpture, the largest in all of Europe. Carved on the one side is a ring-headed cross with interwoven designs. On the other side four panels are divided. Here an unidentified battle is being fought one that will lie with the past never to be told. Many a hopeful notion has been created to fulfill the curious mind but nothing will ever be proved.
The little town with so much past history is an exciting point to explore the many other beautiful surroundings. Forres has an inarguable display of variety, from the white sandy beaches, to the charming villages, to the tranquil riverside and the malt whisky distilleries. Her charms seep into the many awards from the renowned Scottish and British Bloom competitions for the manicured parks and gardens. Indeed, this is a beautiful destination, not to be missed.
