About The Trust

Leanchoil Hospital served the community of Forres for over 125 years, through major developments in society and bringing benefits for the health and wellbeing of the community! It was an integral part of Forres Life and had major impacts on those touched by it. Our desire is for Leanchoil to once again be central to people’s lives.

Leanchoil Trust has been dedicated to saving Leanchoil for the community since its closure in 2018. We are rightly focused on the history and heritage of the listed Leanchoil Hospital but as plans grow to secure its sustainable future we must remain relevant, so our developing focus is forward thinking, innovative and positive whilst respecting the heritage.

Since the Trust began almost £700,000 has been raised to progress plans. As we move forward, we will rely on the collective efforts and involvement of our community, employees, volunteers, participants, sponsors, partners, and funders to ensure the redevelopment of Leanchoil leads to improved health and wellbeing for our community.

Leanchoil Trust’s Vision & Aims

VISION

Leanchoil will be an innovative place that inspires our community to focus on their own improved wellbeing, both now and in the future.

The nuts and bolts of how we get there

As part of this ambition much work needs to be done. We have concluded the Community Asset Transfer (CAT) process with NHS Grampian, so the entire site now belongs to the Trust on behalf of the local community. Key among these is community support, so find out here how you can help.

Similarly, applications for funding from grant-giving bodies can be complex and take time. A grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund enabled the trust to engage architects LDN Ltd to create plans for the re-purposed building. See the plans here. Planning consent was secured early in 2026. The Trust has sold the former maternity wing to Hanover Scotland who intend to create a 41-unit supported housing development on the site. The proceeds of the sale has helped fund the work of architects to create creating detailed plans for the refurbishment and conservation of the main building.

In addition, and to conform to the listed building status of Leanchoil, we have engaged a heritage consultant to advise us and ensure our obligations under the listed building consent stay on track. The National Lottery Heritage funding means the trust can engage advice and support from other bodies experienced in similar projects, as well as some support staff.

The Trust has submitted grant applications to government and heritage bodies, and decisions on the success of these is expected early in 2017. The funding environment is indeed a complex arena!