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Burghead has a lot to offer

Carden Cottages is surrounded by lots of gorgeous towns and villages. One of my favourite villages is Burghead, a beautiful coastal settlement with a rich history.

Burghead Beach Front
Burghead is a beautiful coastal village off Moray Firth | Credit: Anne Burgess

The peaceful village is located on the shores of the Moray Firth in the North East Scotland and is known for its fantastic Pict history, beautiful scenery and the traditional burning of the Clavie.

The stunning seaside village is the perfect place to visit for relaxing or adventuring. The beautiful views of the sea and wildlife are relaxing, and the various hidden historic sites make the village very exciting.

Burghead Visitor Centre

There are lots of activities to do around Burghead, I would recommend first having a look around the Visitor Centre. The centre sits where the former Coastguard lookout was, and gives visitors a unique insight into the history of the village.

Burghead Visitor Centre
Burghead Visitor Centre offers a great insight into the history of the area | Credit: Andrew Curtis

Burghead Visitor Centre takes visitors through the history of the area, starting around 400AD and ending in present time. In 2013 an extension feature was added to the building, which gives stunning views over the Moray Firth. It also showcases the lives of the herring lasses who followed the herring fishing fleet from Barra to Lowestoft, and also information of the natural history of the headland and the Moray Firth. It is open from 12 noon to 4pm daily from April until the end of September, you can call 01343 835 518 for more information.

The Burghead Well

The Burghead Well is another historic gem in the village. The structure was cleared out in 1809 and has confused archaeologists since. It remains a mystery by whom, when or why this incredible monument was created.

Burghead Well
Burghead Well has a mysterious history | Credit: Mick Garratt

A flight of 20 stone steps lead down into the ground to a square chamber with a square rock-cut tank fed by an underwater spring. When the chamber was cleared out objects recovered included a stone with a bull carved on it, part of a Pictish stone cross and bizarrely a number of Spanish coins.

There have been many theories regarding the function of the “well”, including:

  • A shrine to Celtic water deities.
  • A place of ritual execution.
  • An early Christian baptistery.
  • A Pictish cult centre, later converted to Christian use.

To visit the well you have to get a key for a locked gate from the Visitor Centre, to find out more, visit the Visitor Centre website.

Burghead Fort

The village of Burghead was built on top of a Pictish promontory fort. It was one of the earliest power centres of the Picts and was three times the size of any other enclosed site in Early Medieval Scotland. It is likely that the fort may have been the main centre of the Pictish Kingdom of Fortriu.

Burghead Fort
Burghead was the site of a Pictish fort, occupying a good strategic site with clear views all round | Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

The remains of the fort were largely destroyed when the harbour and town of Burghead were remodelled in the early 19th century, but its layout is recorded in a plan drawn by William Roy in 1793. Sections of its inner ramparts still stand up to 9.8 feet (3.0m) high, and a small section of the innermost outer rampart survives on Doorie Hill.

It is great to explore Burghead and try and spot the remains of its Pictish heritage.

The Burning Of The Clavie

One of Burghead’s longstanding traditions is the burning of the Clavie every year on the 11th of January. It is a fantastic event that I believe everybody should witness at least once in their life.

Burghead - Burning of the Clavie
The Burning of the Clavie is an exciting tradition that brings good luck to everyone lucky enough to grab a piece of the smouldering embers | Credit: Anne Burgess

The unique fire festival is a day meant for greeting the New Year and bringing good luck to the people who attend the burning of the Clavie for the rest of the year.

The flaming Clavie (a barrel full of staves) is carried around the town followed by a large crowd until it reaches its final destination on top of Doorie Hill, on the ramparts of the ancient fort. It is wedged there and allowed to burn out and fall downhill until it reaches the bottom, where people eagerly gather the smouldering embers. If you are fortunate enough to be able to grab a piece of the Clavie then it is said that you will have good luck for the coming year.

It is a great sight to see if you are staying with Carden Cottages in January.

Dolphins & Wildlife

As well as the stunning scenery Burghead has to offer, there is great wildlife on land, in the sky and in the sea.

One of the main wildlife attractions of Burghead is the birds, making it a fantastic place for keen bird watchers to visit. The bay is a favourite wintering ground for many seabirds, such as scoter or eider, and the perfect summer fishing spot for spectacular osprey.

Burghead Moray Firth Dolphins
Dolphins can be spotted swimming in the Moray Firth from the shore at Burghead | Credit: Walter Baxter

The town’s sea life is also incredible – with grey seals, porpoises, mink whales and dolphin swimming in the Moray Firth. The Firth is home to the most northerly resident population of bottle nose dolphins in the world – and Burghead Headland offers a great vantage point for spotting them.

All of these great activities, historic treasures and beautiful wildlife can be found in Burghead at only a 10 minute drive from Carden Cottages.

Contact Details
Contact NameBurghead Visitor Centre
Telephone01343 835518
WebsiteClick To Visit

Topics: What To Do, What To See

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Find Out More About Our Cottages

The Stables Front Door The Stables (Sleeps up to 2)
The Mill House - Lounge The Mill House (Sleeps up to 4)
The Cart House - Lounge 01 The Cart House (Sleeps up to 4)
The Byre Front Door The Byre (Sleeps up to 2)
The Bothy Breakfast Table The Bothy (Sleeps up to 2)
The Barn - Lounge The Barn (Sleeps up to 6)

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Carden Cottages,
The Old Steading, Alves, Elgin, Moray, Scotland IV30 8UP
07831 935 568
cardencottages@gmail.com

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