The Moray Firth is a triangular area of water between Fraserburgh, Inverness and Duncansby head in the North. You can explore over 800kms of coastline made up of beaches, cliffs and sandy bays.  This part of the coast is filled with stunning scenery, rich history and an abundance of wildlife.

The Moray Firth is home to the most northerly resident bottlenose dolphins in the world.  This is an extremely important population, made up of around 130 dolphins. They are the largest bottlenose dolphins in the world, reaching up to about 4 meters long (their cousins in warmer climates only reach about 2.5 meters in length), they have an extra layer of blubber to help keep themselves warm in such cold conditions. A small area of the inner Moray Firth has been designated a special area of conservation in order to protect this population. It is possible to see these dolphins from anywhere on the coastline. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society have a visitors centre based at Spey Bay and from here do a lookout for the dolphins every hour.

Apart from the bottlenose dolphins it is also possible to see common and rissos dolphins, minke, pilot and sperm whales, harbor porpoise, basking sharks, sun fish, both grey and common seals and even occasionally we get lucky and spot Orcas! Apart from fantastic marine life the Moray Firth has a lot of bird Life, take a visit to Troup Head and see a large Gannet colony, and if you visit in the summer months try and Spot the famous Osprey who travels over from Africa to fledge its chicks each year, this is a stunning bird and with a wing span of around 6ft it’s a breath taking sight.

The North East is a great place for keen walkers to visit, discover the Speyside way that runs from Buckie to Aviemore- a total of 80 miles walking! On route as well as the beautiful scenery that surrounds the river Spey, you will also come across some of our famous distilleries so why not stop and enjoy a wee dram on route! For those not so keen on walking why not jump in the car and follow the famous whiskey and castle trails, most have a visitors centre offering tours and are great fun for all the family.

June, July and August are the start of the Highland Games calendar, with pipe bands, highland dancing and much more. There is a traditional boat festival held at Portsoy usually over a weekend in July. This has grown in popularity every year and there is something for everyone. At the end of July the village of Fochabers is home to Spey Fest- A fantastic weekend full of traditional folk music, craft fairs and ceilidh’s, the event has been going on for 15 years and attracts visitors from all over the world.  For more info visit www.speyfest.com

For more information contact Aberdeen and Grampian tourist board website. http://www.agtb.org

Elgin tourist information, 17 High St. Elgin: Tele: 01343 542666

Forres tourist information, 116 High St, Forres: Tele 01309 672938