About Morayshire
Morayshire is a county located in the north-east of Scotland. It borders the Scottish Highlands to the north and east, and the North Sea to the south and east. The county town is Elgin, and the largest settlement is Keith. Morayshire covers an area of 1,696 square kilometres (656 square miles) and has a population of approximately 107,000.
The county of Morayshire takes its name from the Moray Firth, a large inlet of the North Sea located on the county's eastern coast. The firth is home to a number of important wildlife sites, including the Moray Firth Dolphins and the RSPB reserve at Troup Head.
The landscape of Morayshire is varied, with rolling hills in the west giving way to more mountainous terrain in the east. The Cairngorms, a range of mountains located in the eastern Highlands, extend into the southern part of the county.
The climate of Morayshire is generally cool and wet, with average temperatures ranging from 5-10 degrees Celsius (41-50 degrees Fahrenheit). The county experiences a high amount of rainfall, particularly in the western Highlands.
The economy of Morayshire is largely dependent on agriculture and fishing. The region's fertile soils support a variety of crops, including barley, wheat, oats, and potatoes. Salmon and trout are the main types of fish caught in the Moray Firth. Tourism is also an important industry in the county, with visitors attracted to its scenic landscapes and wildlife.
Morayshire has a long history dating back to prehistoric times. Stone Age artefacts have been found at a number of sites in the county, including Balbridie and Clava Cairns. The region was later inhabited by the Picts, a group of people who left behind a number of carved stones known as Pictish stones.
The county was settled by the Scots in the Middle Ages, and became part of the Kingdom of Scotland in the 12th century. Morayshire was frequently invaded by England during the Wars of Scottish Independence in the 14th century. The county was also the scene of religious conflict during the 16th century Reformation, when many Protestants were persecuted by the ruling Catholic Church.
Morayshire has a number of interesting landmarks and buildings. Elgin Cathedral is a Gothic-style cathedral located in the city of Elgin. The cathedral was badly damaged by fire in 1224 but was later rebuilt. Brodie Castle is a 16th-century castle located near Forres. The castle is home to a collection of furniture and paintings from different periods in history. Pluscarden Abbey is a ruined Benedictine monastery located near Elgin. The abbey was founded in 1230 but was destroyed during the Reformation in 1560
