Moray

Locator map for the Scottish administrative region of 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 (2001) 86,900

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.