The Moray Firth Area
Geography
Situated on the North East coast of Scotland, the Moray Firth is Scotlands largest firth. Stretching from Duncansby Head in the North to Fraserburgh in the East, more than 800 kms of coastline are broken by windswept cliffs and rocky shores, broad sandy bays and long sheltered inner firths.History
The abundant natural resources of the Moray Firth were first exploited by hunter-gatherers about 8000 years ago. This was followed by the emergence of fortifications and settlements along the length of the Firth. Remains of these ancient structures, from the fascinating Neolithic times through to the Bronze Age, Iron age and mysterious Pictish times are scattered amongst the hinterland. Over time the Firth has been an international trading frontier, become the base for fleets of far-ranging fishing boats and more recently, developed a thriving oil industry. Agriculture remains a mainstay of the local economy, whilst unspoilt scenery,wildlife and a range of sporting and recreational opportunities have led to a growing tourist industry.Wildlife
The Moray Firth is a haven for wildlife. The open sea supports a wealth of marine life whilst thousands of birds and other wildlife throng its spectacular cliffs and tidal mudflats. Most famous for its resident population of Bottle-nosed Dolphins the Firth is also home to seals, porpoises, whales and many other smaller animals, all of which play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. The tidal mudflats provide rich feeding grounds for migratory birds in both the autumn and spring months and support internationally important numbers of wildfowl and waders.Fishing
Fishing is one of the oldest industries in the Moray Firth, dating from as far back as 8,000 years ago when hunter-gatherers followed the coast in search of food, surviving primarily on fish and shellfish. The annual migrations of salmon and sea trout up-river to spawn provides a seasonal bounty. From medieval times salmon were salted and exported to Europe. In 1780 ice was first used in shipping salmon. This led to the construction of a number of ice ponds and icehouses, the remains of which can be seen today scattered along the coast. Today, rod and line fishing on rivers like the Spey attracts anglers from around the world.Population
The Moray Firth is a huge and complex area, supporting countless human and wildlife activities. It is home to a population of about 250,000 people. Although relatively sparsely populated it is a vigorous area, with Inverness reputed to be the second fastest growing city in Europe.The Role of the Moray Firth Partnership
Whilst the quality of this marine supersystem is now internationally recognised, it faces increasing pressure as more and more demands are made upon its valuable resources. This presents us with a challenge. How can we reduce conflict between the various activities that take place in the Firth, to cherish the environment and nurture enterprise at the same time? The Moray Firth Partnership was established to tackle this challenge: to help people find ways of working together to keep the Moray Firths natural, economic and social resources in good heart, now and for future generations.
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