In October 2023 the Future Forres Academy project was accepted as part of the Scottish Government’s Learning Estate Investment Programme (LEIP) Phase 3 programme.

Following a feasibility study, three potential development sites for the new build were identified; Grantown Road; Lochyhills; and Applegrove Playing Fields/ Roysvale. Several assessments have been completed that have now discounted the Grantown Road site, leaving Lochyhills and Applegrove Playing Fields/ Roysvale as the two remaining options.

The public is now invited to take part in an online survey to share their views on their preferred choice. The survey runs until 25 April 2024.

Physical copies of the survey will be available from the Forres Library and Forres Post Office from Thursday 28 March.

A community drop-in session will be held at Forres Town Hall on 18 April from 10am-7pm. This is a chance for anyone who wishes to learn more about the survey and the sites to come and speak with the team.

The engagement findings are planned to be reported at the meeting of Full Council on 22 May 2024.

Chair of Moray Council’s education, children’s services and leisure committee, Councillor Kathleen Robertson, said: “It’s encouraging seeing progress with the improvement plan for Forres Academy. Input from our local communities is always valued, I would encourage everyone to get involved with the online engagement and share their views.”