AJE hatches a plan for flagpole access
The current access to the flagpole at Forres Tolbooth
Plans are in place to make a safe access onto the roof of one of Forres’ most historic buildings.
AJ Engineering is working with the Forres Heritage Trust to draw up plans so that trustees and volunteers can safely access the roof of the Tolbooth in order to raise flags at key times of the year.
At the moment, access onto the roof of the building, is via a roof hatch out onto a sloping roof.
AJE project manager, Andrew Fyvie explained: “Basically, the access that the Forres Heritage Trust has now is not ideal and could potentially be unsafe particularly in certain weather conditions.
“They have contacted AJE to see if we can come up with a solution and we are currently working on how we could engineer something that will work.
“It’s an old building, but on this occasion, we do not have to worry about the aesthetics as none of what we are doing will be seen. We just have to ensure that it is safe and cost effective.”
The royal standard flying when the Princess Royal visited Forres
Andrew added: “On the face of it, it sounds fairly straightforward, but it’s actually quite tricky because where the roof hatch is, there is a gully and two sloping roofs to contend with.
“At the moment, I have produced an initial sketch which is with the client. If the works progress, it will be for full design fabrication and installation.”
Over the last few years, major renovation works have taken place at the Tolbooth which is owned by the Forres Heritage Trust.
AJ Engineering was involved in the design, fabrication and installation of a new staircase which gives access to the clocktower which has now been opened to the public for the first time.
