FC&HS: Partnership Management Group

Meet our Forres Conservation & Heritage Scheme Partnership Management Group!

This partnership was created to help, contribute, and steer the development of the Forres Conservation & Heritage Scheme.

Some of the key focuses for the group is to identify opportunities to celebrate the unique characteristics of Forres, develop ideas, support the aims of the project and act as project ambassadors, encouraging community and business engagement.

Our Chair, George Alexander MBE, from a maths teacher at Forres Academy to former Councillor, George has been involved in many Forres community groups, projects, and events.  Following its creation in 2011 and together with many volunteers, he has helped establish the Forres Heritage Trust, which does amazing work at the Tolbooth and Nelson Tower.

We are delighted George accepted the role of chair for our development phase of the project, sharing his knowledge and expertise of the Forres area!

Kresanna Aigner, Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director of Findhorn Bay Arts, which she founded in 2012. Kresanna leads on the creative vision and strategic objectives and is also involved in the day to day running of the organisation. She has experience working with a wide range of community groups and partnerships with her work recognised through winning awards for creative regeneration and community work.

Helen Avenell has over 20 years’ experience in the heritage sector. She established Helen Avenell Heritage Associates in 2015 based in Forres, specialising in cultural heritage management and interpretation planning across Moray & the Highlands. Her work has particular focus on community engagement and working with people to harness the power of their heritage, their stories and voices.

Gemma Cruickshank, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Moray Speyside knows the area well and has a great network and knowledge across the business and tourism community. Gemma has wide ranging experience including Embrace Elgin - town centre Business Improvement District (BID), Visit Aberdeenshire, Maverston Golf Course and Glenfiddich Distillery.

Steve Ferris, current chairperson of the Forres Community Council.  Steve has great knowledge of Forres and in addition to his role with the Community Council is involved with the 1st Kinloss Scout Group and Transition Town Forres Community Gardens.

Christiane H Friauf, a Friend of the Falconer Museum who has a deep appreciation for all things heritage and culture. Along with being a historian, author and editor, Christiane has fantastic knowledge of the area of Forres and a passion for creating connections between people, place, and heritage.

Michelle Gillibrand, Development Manager of Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) has extensive experience in community and leisure development. One of the many tasks and projects Michelle is working on is to secure the funding package which will support the redevelopment of the Town Hall and enable it to be re-established as a cultural and economic hub for the Forres Area.

Pearl Hamilton, local business owner of over 40 years of a great family business: PEARL’S (Pet Care) with great experience of working in both retail and hospitality industries. Fundraiser supporting local community groups and events, also collecting and donating to local animal welfare organisations and individuals.  Pearl is also a Scottish Policy member and a local volunteer of FSB (Federation of Small Businesses).

Susan Longmuir, a board director at Forres Area Community Trust (FACT) and a self-employed architect with over 30 years’ experience! Susan is also an active member of Moray Business Women and Young Enterprise Highland & Moray.

Jo Lenihan, Development Officer of the Leanchoil Trust is working towards securing the future of the Leanchoil Hospital site. Living locally, Jo has great knowledge of the area along with volunteering with the Forres Osprey Bus Board and is a former secretary of the Forres Community Council.

Sandra Maclennan, former primary school headteacher is involved with the multi-award winning Forres in Bloom, Forres Area Forum and much, much more. With over 40 years knowledge of living and working in Forres and now enjoying her retirement, Sandra continues to work alongside a wide variety of people and the community of Forres.

Graham Murdoch, local business owner of the successful and award-winning Murdoch Butchers, a 3rd generation family run business. In the local community, Graham is involved with Forres Area Business Association, Forres Community Council, Trustee to Leanchoil Trust, Forres Features, Forres Green Spaces Group, just to name a few!

Also joining the Partnership Management Group are officers from the Economic Growth & Regeneration Team at Moray Council and our four Forres Councillors:

Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Councillor Paul McBain, Councillor Scott Lawrence, and Councillor Draeyk Van Der Horn