The royal burgh of Forres was the ancient principal town of the province of Moray until 1224, when the seat of bishopric Moray was moved to Elgin.

  Only these silversmith's are known to have worked from Forres { John & Patrick Riach , Patrick Riach , Robert Stewart , Robert Hendrie.} but other silversmiths are thought to have worked in the burgh at various times.

  Although the Riachs' mark includes the initials of both brothers,only Patrick was a goldsmith; John merely provided capital and took his share of the profits.When John died young in 1836 , Patrick continued the business alone under the old name , I & P.Riach, and it appears that this is when he changed the style of his mark.In 1841 he gave up business in order to devote himself to local politics.He was provost of the burgh from 1855 to 1858.He retired from the council in 1862 because of failing health, and died on the 30th of August 1864.