Forres & Moray

8th – 19th November 2017

Nelson Tower – Colours of Cluny — Nelson’s Tower is at the centre of the illuminated trail

The magical light and sound show Colours of Cluny returns for its second year, after the highly successful inaugural event in 2016. The event is the brainchild of Forres Features Community Interest Company, a non-profit organization formed by enthusiastic, local volunteers from Forres. It has been great to see an idea developed into reality.

We were lucky enough to find a window to take our daughter to the event last year, so we got ourselves wrapped up and headed down the road.

The entrance to the event is a short walk along an illuminated tree-lined path. You can feel the anticipation growing amongst the children and the adults heading in the same direction. At the entrance, there are a couple of stalls where you can buy the fluorescent rings and sticks, sweets as well as hot and cold drinks.

As you make your way along the winding path to the top of Cluny Hill you will find something different along the way to grab your attention. The fire-pit, where you can toast marshmallows, proved to be very popular with both the kids and grown-ups.

By the time you reach Nelson’s Tower, you don’t realise that you have made the climb to the top of Cluny Hill due to the distractions along the way. This is where the main show takes place. In 2016 the tower was used as the façade for a light and sound show, which was very impressive and we watched the show a few times before making our way back down the hill.

The 2017 show is set to be bigger and better and we are hoping to get a chance to be able to see for ourselves.

For more information take a look at the event website www.coloursofcluny.com

Scotland is known worldwide as the ‘home of golf’ and is one of the many reasons people love to visit Scotland. Wherever you choose to make your base, there are an abundance of courses to suit all levels of experience and enjoyability. There are more than 25 golf courses within easy reach of Cluny Bank, with a mixture of Championship Courses, links and parkland courses and all with stunning views of the surrounding area.

There is a map below with all the courses within driving distance of Cluny Bank but here is a list of the most popular courses that our guests use.

Golf Courses in Moray

Forres – within 10 minutes walk from the hotel – 18 holes, Par 70, 6300 yards. A single round costs from £15 (low season) to £45 (high season) with an offer for a return visit of £22.50. Buggies,trolleys and clubs are available for hire. Practice area with driving bays, practice bunker and putting green are available.

Moray – 20 minutes drive – two courses – Old Course – 18 hole championship course, Par 71, 6572 yards. A single round costs £25 to £100 dependant on time of year. New Course – 18 holes, Par 70, 6084 yards. A single round costs £12 to £45. Buggies and Caddies are available to book.

Elgin – 25 minutes drive -18 holes, Par 69, 6449 yards. Rounds cost £40 – £45 in high season, POA in winter months. 15 Floodlit driving bays and buggy hire available.

Nairn Dunbar – 25 minutes drive – 18 hole championship course, 72 Par, 6631 yards. Rounds cost from £27.50 to £55 on this championship course. Trolleys, buggies, clubs and caddy are all available to hire. Sheltered driving range and practice green are part of the facilities.

Castle Stuart – 30 minutes drive – 18 hole championship course, 72 Par, 6553 yards. April and November a round costs £140, May to October £195. Facilities include a practice range, short game area and practice putting green.

Hopeman – 20 minutes drive – 18 holes, 68 Par, 5624 yards. A round here will cost £28. Club hire is available for £15.

Most of the local courses are open all year round but of course this is dependant on the weather. There is a local Moray Firth Pass which costs £15 and entitles the player to 25% discount at our local courses, details of which are on the website.

We are happy to book tee times for our guests.