Moray Council’s Corporate Committee has approved a new partnership approach designed to strengthen the long-term sustainability and enhancement of Grant Park in Forres.

Under the plan, the council will collaborate with a proposed Friends of Grant Park group, to be established to represent community interests, local stakeholders and park users. Forres Events Limited will support the group during its initial set-up phase.

Established in 1924 with funding from Sir Alexander Grant to preserve the former grounds of Forres House for public recreation, Grant Park is held by Moray Council as trustee via the Grant Park Public Trust. It remains a central community space, hosting sport, leisure, cultural events and gatherings throughout the year.

The decision follows last year's community engagement, which showed strong support for the park and highlighted opportunities to improve facilities and infrastructure. A public meeting in May 2026 backed forming a Friends group to help coordinate community involvement, fundraising and future improvement ideas.

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Under the proposed model, the Friends of Grant Park would operate as a community-led charitable body representing park users, community organisations and local stakeholders. Existing ownership and trustee arrangements will be unchanged, with Moray Council continuing as Trustee and remaining responsible for management and maintenance.

Councillors have authorised officers to develop detailed partnership options, including governance structures and potential funding streams. Any formal agreement or improvement proposals will return to the committee for approval.

Chair of the Corporate Committee, Cllr Marc Macrae, said: "Grant Park is one of Forres' most valued community assets and plays an important role in the life of the town. This potential new partnership approach recognises the strong local enthusiasm for the park and creates an opportunity for the community, the council and local partners to work together to support its future.

"Importantly, this is about building on existing arrangements, not replacing them. The council will continue to fulfil its responsibilities as trustee and manager of the park while exploring how community involvement and external funding can help enhance this much-loved space for future generations."

Joanna Taylor, a Director of Forres Events Ltd, added: "We are delighted that the committee has supported this next step. People in Forres care deeply about Grant Park and want to see it continue to thrive while protecting the character and green space that makes it special."

Further discussions will now take place between Moray Council, community representatives and local stakeholders to shape detailed proposals for establishing the Friends of Grant Park organisation.