Forres Library

The library sits right in the heart of Forres, a town that's easy to overlook if you're just passing through Aberdeenshire on the way to somewhere else. It's a proper community space - the kind of place locals actually use, not just a tourist tick-off. What you get here depends entirely on what you're after. If you're into local history and heritage, the staff know the area inside out and can point you toward records and information you won't find online. The building itself is functional rather than fancy, but that's rather the point.

For families with younger kids, there's the usual library setup - picture books, reading areas, that sort of thing. Older children might find decent YA fiction. Walkers and outdoor types tend to appreciate having a warm, quiet space to browse maps or plan routes when the weather turns. It's also a legitimate refuge if you've been caught in Scottish Highland rain.

Admission is free, as libraries tend to be, though opening hours can be a bit variable so it's worth checking ahead. You won't need more than half an hour unless you're genuinely settling in with a book. If you're based at The Loft Glamping & Camping just outside town, it's a short drive or walkable if you're up for it. Not a reason to plan your whole trip around, but definitely worth knowing it's there. Forres itself has enough - good pubs, decent shops - to make a morning of it.