Burghead Village
This picturesque and historic village has all the amenities you would expect in a traditional Scottish fishing village. Library, Village Hall, Church, Primary School, Post Office, shops, village pub and hotels. Burghead lies only nine miles north of the main county town of Elgin and five miles from the RAF bases of Lossiemouth and Kinloss. There are good road links to Inverness and Aberdeen, and rail links from Elgin.
Whilst most of the village is less than two hundred years old, it's an area steeped in pre-history. Originally the largest Pictish fortification in Scotland, the massive stone and turf embankments still dominate the harbour. Beautiful stone carvings are still being uncovered and grace many Museums around Scotland. The exact meaning of these exquisite Pictish relics still remain a mystery (one particularly fine example of a stylised bull has become the symbol of the village). It is thought the fortress was destroyed by fire by Norse invaders in the early ninth century, and the Pictish Kings thenceforth lost much of their influence and power. Not all of it's pre-Christian history is lost however. Still to this day the local "Brochers" take part in a fire festival unique to Burghead, and burn the"Clavie" to usher in the NewYear(11th. January). This ritual possibly dates back to a time when Druid Priests used fire as a ceremonial purifier.
The harbour was constructed in 1807 and soon became the most important port in the upper reaches of the Firth, with swift sailing vessels plying their trade up and down the coast and as far south as London. By 1860 sail had given way to steam and when the first paddle steamer "Heatherbell" docked at Burghead, it caused such a sensation that the school was closed for the day. Fishing was to become the mainstay of the village, and by 1920 there were over a 1,000 boats gathering in the Moray Firth for the herring season. It is still a working harbour today, although most resident vessels now fish for prawns and squid. And with more and more leisure craft beginning to moor quayside, taking advantage of the superb weather protection (as well as a very inexpensive annual mooring fee), the harbour area is a colourful and interesting place to spend a few hours.
Between Burghead harbour and Findhorn Bay stretches mile after mile of one of the finest yellow sand beaches in the Moray Firth. Nature trails follow the shoreline and offer a great opportunity to see some of the spectacular indigenous wildlife like bottle nosed dolphins, seals, oyster catchers, osprey, redshank, curlew, eider duck, scoters, cormorants and gannets. On the other side of the harbour, taking a walk along the coastline reveals a totally contrasting seaside environment with imposing sandstone cliffs, towering stacks, skerries, coves and blowholes.
The area is full of historical and natural surprises, providing the perfect habitat for the inquisitive or adventurous. Sailing, windsurfing and fishing are all popular activities in Burghead and the neighbouring villages of Findhorn and Hopeman. In addition, there are five challenging golf courses (links and parkland) within six miles of the harbour. Pony trekking and other equestrian activities are also available nearby.
