Moray Firth

The Moray Firth is a substantial triangular bay in northern Scotland forming part of the North Sea. It extends from Duncansby Head in Caithness across to Kinnaird Head, near Fraserburgh. It is partly contiguous with the Great Glen Fault, and comprises about five hundred miles of coastline.

Because of its position, almost all Shetlanders pass by it, when travelling south. Any traveller to Aberdeen from Shetland by boat or plane, will skirt its eastern limit, and after arriving by ferry in Caithness, most travellers will travel along its western shore. People travelling by plane to Inverness, or airports further south in Scotland and England will also be able to see it from the aircraft.

The name "Moray Firth" is used, by extension for the coastline of the region, particularly the towns and villages of north east Scotland. Moray was also the ancient name of a Pictish kingdom in this region. The fishing towns along the coast have some connections with Shetland, and Fraserburgh (and Peterhead, just outside the Moray Firth) are both major Scottish fishing centres. The Plymouth Brethren attained a foothold amongst these fishing communities, and perhaps it is from here that they were able to spread to Shetland.

Dolphins and whales are notable visitors to the firth. Fish stocks in the Firth have declined, meaning that far less fishing takes place within it now, but some mackerel, herring and cod etc are still occasionally present.