Moray
Unitary authority in northeast Scotland, created in 1996 from the
Moray district of Grampian region
Area:
2,224 sq km/859 sq mi
Towns:
Elgin (administrative headquarters), Forres, Buckie, Lossiemouth
Physical:
The land gradually slopes from the Grampian Mountains in the south
(Cairn Gorm 1,245 m/4,085 ft) towards the Moray Firth; extensive
coastal lowlands fringe an area of sand-dune formation; part of
this land was reclaimed from the sea and is now covered by the
Culbin forest. The river Spey reaches the North Sea near Buckie
Features:
Elgin cathedral; Brodie and Duffus castles; Gordonstoun school
Industries:
Whisky distilling, food processing Agriculture: some fishing (Buckie,
Lossiemouth); trout and salmon fishing in rivers; cereals in lowland
plain
Population:
(1995) 87,200
History:
Numerous royal residences and setting for Shakespeare's Macbeth.
Economy
The area has a rural economy, with strength in modern management of
traditional produce, food and whisky.
Architecture
Brodie Castle, 5 km/3 mi west of Forres, was built in about 1567 for
the Brodie family; it was extended in the early 17th and 19th
centuries. Duffus Castle, 8 km/5 mi northwest of Elgin, is a good
example of a Norman motte and bailey castle, with a water-filled
moat.
Environment
There are 33 Sites of Special Scientific Interest, one National Nature
Reserve, three Ramsars (wetland sites), two Special Protection
Areas, and one National Scenic Area.
Administrative History
Prior to 1975, the area was divided between the three counties of Nairnshire,
Morayshire, and Banffshire.
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