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This imposing building has had a fascinating history as it was initially built around 1827 as a Masonic Lodge before being purchased by the Mechanics Institute in 1854 to provide a space for adult education, especially in technical subjects, to working men. In 1930 the building was purchased by the Town Council for use as a town hall. Standing outside the building it is tempting to wonder whether the original project was dinner-table conversation for one of Forres’ most colourful characters, Born in 1780, he embarked on a military career.
During the Peninsular Campaign he became commanding officer of Wellington’s Corps of Guides, was captured, taken to Paris, escaped and went on to be Head of Intelligence for the Peninsular Army. He was, in effect, the first head of MI6. The character of Major Michael Hogan, played by actor Brian Cox, in Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe series of novels is loosely based on Grant.
During the 1960s the Town hall played host to a bunch of young men who, just a few years later, were to become responsible for changing the face of popular music.
In 1960 singer Johnny Gentle toured Scotland with young musicians John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrison, who would later become the Beatles.
