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Become a member
Every member shows funders that Forres wants Leanchoil back. The more of us there are, the stronger our case for grants.
Scottish charity SC050975 · Forres, Moray
Scottish charity SC050975
info@leanchoiltrust.org
Leanchoil Trust · Forres, Moray
Our hospital cared for Forres for 125 years. Now we're bringing it back.
Leanchoil Hospital closed in 2018 and has stood empty since. The community now owns it — and together we’re turning it into a place for health and wellbeing, for everyone in Forres and the villages around it.
- Gift Aid adds 25% at no cost to you
- Membership costs you nothing
125
years
of care
of care
Leanchoil, Forres. Bought by the community in March 2026 — now it belongs to all of us.
Where we are now
Real progress, step by step
Every step below has happened thanks to local people, volunteers and funders. Here is the journey so far — and what comes next.
Almost £700,000
raised since the Trust began
Coffee mornings in Forres, Dyke/Kintessack, Edinkillie, Dallas and Findhorn raised over £2,000.
Next target: [fundraising target — Trust to confirm]
Done
Plans drawn up
A National Lottery Heritage Fund grant paid for LDN Architects of Inverness to draw up plans for the site.
Early 2026 · Done
Planning consent secured
Permission granted to bring the old hospital back into use.
March 2026 · Done
The site belongs to the community
Community Asset Transfer from NHS Grampian complete, funded by £340k from the Scottish Land Fund.
Done
New homes on the Osprey Wing
The former maternity unit was sold to Hanover Scotland for 41 supported homes. The proceeds fund design work on the main building.
Done
Architects appointed
After a national tender, LDN Architects were appointed to design the refurbishment of the main building.
Sunday 23 August 2026 · Done
Volunteers clear the site
Volunteers came together for a community clear-up day at Leanchoil.
Coming next
You can help
Raising the funds to begin the works
Next: [fundraising target / works start date — placeholder, Trust to confirm]. Every donation and every new member brings this step closer.
The goal
Leanchoil opens its doors again
A health and wellbeing village for Forres — for all ages.
What Leanchoil will become
A micro health and wellbeing village
Activities and services that help people stay well, meet others, volunteer, find work and keep learning — at every age.
“Leanchoil will be an innovative place that inspires our community to focus on their own improved wellbeing, both now and in the future.”
— The Trust's vision
Health and wellbeing
Activities and services to support your wellbeing.
Social connection
A place to meet, chat and take part.
Volunteering and work
Chances to volunteer and routes into employment.
Learning for all ages
Courses, training and learning together.
The Immersive Classroom
A sensory room for training, STEM learning, therapy and relaxation — a calm, adaptable space for school groups, carers and anyone who needs it.
Ways to help
Two easy ways to help today
Joining is free and takes a couple of minutes. Donating, even a little, goes straight into bringing Leanchoil back.
Make a donation
Give once or monthly. Choose an amount to start:
- UK taxpayer? Add Gift Aid on the next step.
Fundraise for us
Hold a coffee morning, take on a challenge, or make Leanchoil your business’s chosen charity.
Fundraising ideas →
Volunteer
Lend a hand at events and clear-up days, or share skills you already have.
Volunteer with us →
Also: leaving a gift in your will · giving through your business (CSR)
Our heritage
Were you born in Leanchoil?
For over 125 years Leanchoil was our cottage hospital — a maternity hospital where generations of Forres families began, and a place of palliative care for older people. Its story belongs to all of us.
Explore the memories, photographs and records that people have shared — and add your own.
Visiting from Canada?
Leanchoil was a gift from Lord Strathcona
Donald Alexander Smith was born in Forres in 1820 and became one of Canada’s great figures, through the Hudson’s Bay Company and the Canadian Pacific Railway. He gave the land and most of the cost of Leanchoil — and chose its name himself.
With thanks to our funders
Thanks to National Lottery players.
Option B · Clear and kind