Historic Victoria Hotel in Moray put up for sale
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The Victoria Hotel which has stood in Forres since 1864 has been put up for sale.
Over the decades The Vic has been the scene of countless dances and family celebrations,
The venue, which stands on the junction of the old road to Nairn and the current one to Grantown, still offers accommodation through its seven letting rooms, as well as food and drink from its kitchens and bars.
It also houses a sizeable function hall.
Current owner Alec Ross has been dealing with the estate left by his late wife Marlene.
She was the sister of former owner Jock Benzie, who died in 2019.
Alec said: "The Vic was still very much a functioning hotel up to January, 2020 and at its height in Jock’s day had a staff of 12.
"There was always a good trade.
"Workmen often stayed and we had a number of regulars from the same companies who enjoyed bed, breakfast and evening meals."
Alec, a former employee of Highland Council, helped his wife at The Vic during the nine years she was in charge as well as during the 20 plus years she was involved before that.
He said: “Jock bought The Eagle Bar first in the 80s then The Vic after that.
"He got The Vic from Dickson’s Motors.
"As well as running it as a hotel, they used its car park for customers who visited their showroom and garage across the road."
He added: "Jock kept The Vic much the same as it had always been.
"However, it needed a lot of work after being flooded in the late 90s so he got parts of it refurbished and renovated with the insurance.
"The function hall was gutted, a new bar put in and the stage was shifted.
"It was re-floored too, with new heating installed and a false ceiling put in for the lighting as well as to save heat.
"Then after Jock lost his leg through poor health, he put in a disabled ramp from the public bar as well as a disabled toilet."
Forres Accordion and Fiddle Club and Forres Country Music Club used the Vic’s function hall regularly.
Alec said: "There used to be club nights there too.
"There were also a lot of public sales including fishing tackle, carpets and clothing."
Anyone interested in buying The Victoria Hotel should visit HERE for further details.
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