Findochty-Scotland | Restful Holidays and Golf on an Enchanting Coast.

 Findochty is an idyllic small town of Scotland, a perfect and right destination to spend restful holidays enjoying Golf on an enchanting coast which immediately transmits the fascination of that fabulous Gaelic land in all its essence thanks to its stunning landscapes, unforgettable sea views in a wonderful scenery highlighted by unique images as superb cliffs dominating a spectacular jagged shoreline with a beautiful succession of small bays, secluded coves and picturesque tiny sharp promontories facing a series of scattered attractive islets with next to an endless sublime horizon as a further attraction.

Located in the County of Moray at approximately 320, 0 kilometres north of the Scottish Capital Glasgow crossing the beautiful Cairngorms National Park and at just 93, 0 kilometres from the splendid Inverness, the extraordinary environment of that centre lying on a stunning headland is absolutely fantastic also for the proximity of the wonderful Moray Firth, a spectacular triangular inlet formed by a North Sea arm reminiscent of a striking Norwegian fjord and  scenic rivers such as Ness, Spey and Findhom which all together complete a stunning mosaic of waterways.

That striking territorial conformation with all those great natural marvels and a magic aura surrounding every corner of that intact land reminding  the memorable ancient times when that divine Eden was settled by the Scots and the Picts, the first Celts who populated that enchanting territory many centuries ago transmitting at first sight very deep inspirations.

You will be in an enchanting site which in its kind it is a sort of dreamland encircled by suggestive legends, mystical mysteries, fascinating narrations with a long history extremely captivating and once there the visitor can immediately breathe all that in a while because that unmistakable atmosphere is a special spot of the magnificent Scotland, one of the most suggestive destinations of Northwestern Europe. 

 Those stupendous sensations are absolutely unique and and what is fantastically impressive is that big part of Northern Great Britain practically  transmits those feelings including in the smallest, remote villages and hamlets delighting everybody in a while.

 Findochty despite its small size offers all that around its boundaries and it is an ideal and appropriate haven for all those who want to enjoy the extraordinary beauty, true, spirit and essence of that territory in tranquillity, serenity but at the same with a lot of things to do.

The peaceful environment is certainly a notable detail in which the only noise you can hear is that of the waves of the sea and the cry of the gulls landing on those superb cliffs and all that makes that site extremely fascinating, incomparable and extremely inspiring but there is always the desire to explore and discover because that place also launches signals  that every site can be the start of an enjoyable adventure.

A great idea for a very pleasant stay is to rent a cottage starting to live totally and deeply in contact with that marvellous heaven and that is a great choice to spend pleasurable holidays in that Scottish area.

Those structures are fully equipped, some of them absolute jewels strategically well located, no problem of parking in the case you are on holidays enjoying a stupendous Fly & Drive and all them are established in a beautiful environment.

Findochty is a perfect destination as a great base for radial excursions planning great itineraries discovering enchanting, siginificant routes, all the surroundings offer attractions highly interesting, the communications are excellent and there is not an intense traffic.

You can find excellent typical restaurants and Gastropubs offering the best gastronomy reflecting the pure true culinary art of Scotland with a special mention to ther emblematic fresh seafood, with emblematic cod, salmon absolute protagonists and  also that it is certainly a notable incentive for the most demanding palates.

Golf, thanks the presence of the iconic Strathlene Golf Club but also trekking, cycling, photography and bird watching are great activities every tourist can enjoy there and it is also a destination highly suggested for all the visitors who love an uncontaminated nature with the chance to be delighted in addition by visits of sites boasting a rich historic patrimony.

The Gaelic name of Findochty is Am Fionn Ochdamh and that denomination recorded by Diack in an old transcription  is pretty uncertain. 

It might be something related to the word am which means time in some Celtic autochtone languages but according to other suppositions it could be a phrase left by the ancient Celts meaning something of mysterious probably linked to local legends and that is part of that unmistakable and magnificent Scottish culture always full of hidden secrets and treasures in a land always surrounded by an everlasting mystical aura.

A notable event confirming the ancient local history much before the settlement of those Gaelic populations is related to 1901 when were discovered in the local boundaries caves containing bones of prehistoric animals but that site afterwards was blasted to build new constructions.

The birth of the former hamlet was in medieval times, exactly in the 15th century when the current centre was a very humble and tiny agglomeration with a small dock called Crooked Haven established for a fishing activity which in that period was mainly concentrated to satisfy the local needs.

In the 16th century a rich family called Ord became owner and landlord of a big part of many local territories starting to create a more developed and populated village giving it year by year a first former image of a little town including arranging and enlarging the old little harbour and a bit later
was also erected in the western side of Findochty a castle of which only its ruins are visible nowadays.

Thanks to those rulers started to flourish some official activities closely related to fisheries and in the 18th century that wealthy family employed twenty people began a  successful business linked to herring and cod catch selling those sea products in some local markets.

The brilliant results in that time made that there was a further development of the harbour until reaching a capacity of 150 boats and in addition as main highlight there the creation of a local fleet, an event which elevated Findochty immediately behind other acclaimed fishing ports in Scotland which started their operations a long time before.

Fishing became since then the main resource and icon of the current municipality, very active and in constant progress continuing for many years to be the hub of the local economy. The decline of that  centre started at the end of the 19th century when in the nearest coastal town of Buckie was established a larger port which could host a major number of boats in an environment very well prepared and organised which took the local leadership.  

Another reason which caused the decay of that activity without opportunities to return to be competitive was the advent of new companies which established  partnerships and networks and all that marked the prelude of the end of the golden ages of that  fishing town which for a long period was an emergent reality.

  

The core of Findochty is arranged in proximity of the coastline with picturesque coloured cottages and charming houses nestled on a low plateau overlooking the picturesque bay and the charming harbour.

 Netherton Terrace is a street linked to Strathlene Road which directly leads to the Golf Club and it consists in the main municipal border of the heart of the main agglomeration. Pretty close is situated  Commercial Street ,one of the main gates of the centre in proximity of the Methodist Church while the other Religious building is the Parish Church of Scotland located between Church Street and Duke Street, two other important local arteries.

The beauty of of that place is the very quiet and relaxing atmosphere with some shops and the opportunity to enjoy a pleasant walk along the banks of the harbour until a wide Caravan parking located in an area close to the Admiral Pub, an iconic local meeting point.

You can also see a residential cottage a short distance walking from the Golf Club and all that makes that place a magnificent oasis of peace characterised by a very distinctive serenity, a very restful place ideal to recharge the batteries but nothing boring at all because it is enough to take a look all around you admiring the spectacular Scottish landscapes delighting your eyes with striking views showing fantastic images to immortalise in a multitude of pictures.

The harbour has kept its charismatic charm and it is a landmark part of the local history and culture reminding with its presence a glorious past despite today it is mainly used for pleasure and by some locals hosting their boats. 

It preserved the aspect of its golden ages with its strong reinforced quays which started since a long time ago to be a very safe refuge protecting the vessels,  it is also a pretty picturesque site chosen by photographers to immortalise the scenic image of the scenic inhabited centre from different special perspectives dominating it.

Once there you can also see a small lighthouse which was for long time during the successful escalation of Findochty a loyal friend and emblem indicating the routes to those men who faced a hard life sailing for several days across the Atlantic and the North Sea searching the best catch.

The iconic fishing activity has always been a distinctive icon of the community and to pay homage to all the local people  who represented that profession an artist called Corenna Cowie decided to dedicated them a statue depicting a fisherman watching the harbour while on the western side of the marina you can see Memorial War returning from there towards the core of the town once again crossing Duke Street or along New Street.

You can continue the visit with the Parish Church, a charming light building erected in 1860 and seat of the Presbyterian community. Elevated on a rectangular base, the structure is pretty sober with a gable facade and a belfry established beneath a sloping gray roof.

The portal is flanked by two thin long arched windows and on the sides you will notice a series of rectangular windows while  the  interior is simple and austere with plastered white walls and a highlight is a wooden pulpit.  

A special charming feature is its scenic location on a low hillside overlooking the entire scenery, ideal place to take some great pictures immortalising the stunning images of Scotland simply enchanting for what they are able to transmit with the North Sea and that outstanding coastline eternally protagonists.

The Methodist Church is another Religious site elevated in Findochty consisting in a pretty modern construction established in the early 20th century, exactly in 1916 replacing a former one erected in 1870. 

 It presents an ample facade with a huge portal flanked by two curved windows surmounted by a small gray roof covering the entire nave and highlighted by the presence of a series of five large stained glass windows. On the sides were inserted two high rectangular blocks beneath a gable roof which are the other main architectural elements of the layout of that building currently used by the Salvation Army. 

Strathlene Golf Club is a local great landmark which since its inception gave popularity to that Scottish municipality and it is situated at just 1,2 kilometres from the heart of the municipality immediately after the Caravan Park in direction west towards Buckie. 

That historic Golf Course was founded in 1877, it is the oldest in Scotland and the former Institution was originally located near Portessie Train Station in the area of that large parking a short distance from the previously mentioned Methodist Church but  in 1936 it was relocated on the top of that picturesque cliff where it was rebuilt in 1974 a new complex you can admire nowadays.

The green was designed by George Smith who had a great imagination to create a shining jewel consisting in a magnificent 18 hole Course which immediately had a great success calling several players coming from different counties of Great Britain with immediate very positive feedback elevating itself as a prestigious international destination for all those who love that very trendy sport.

That masterpiece offers splendid chance for all the most enthusiast golf lovers, boasting almost 6,000 yards in length,  a 69 par and furthermore it also provides a catering service and a cafe -bar, ideal structures to have a pleasant break.

 That fantastic complex is perfect for all the players who like undulating surfaces with bunkers placed in great positions, elevated greens, it is very challenging developed along a magnificent long and wide verdant space simply outstanding

In 1997 the Club purchased from the local Council some further lands to enlarge more its capacity in terms of facilities and services adding a Golf Training Centre providing a 14 bay driving range, a three hole, pitch and butt and practise bunkers. 


The highlights apart its prestige and reputation are the unique and stunning panoramic views on the Moray Firth and the scenic beauty of those striking images in a marvellous environment offers the chance to practise that sporting activity delighting the players by those incomparable sights on  that bewitching sea arm and a further overlooking the coastline from east to west.

The great location of the complex also offers two different kinds of scenery, one towards the North Sea admiring some scenic rocky islets scattered offshore from the mainland with an impressive post card of Findochty and another one towards south completely different with stunning views of a spectacular green countryside.

In a specific point you can also admire a spectacular natural bay formed by two small headlands and from there you will have a magnificent perspective towards the harbour and the coastal stretch leading to Buckie and Port Gordon, a sight simply stunning.

 On the eastern side of the town you can reach a magnificent environment along the shoreline with picturesque cliffs and coves, a jagged coastal paradise formed by tiny gulfs and inlets with the brilliant  opportunity to see dolphins.

 That enchanting coast is an endless mine of natural treasures to explore metre by metre and one of its diamonds is undoubtedly Tronach Head, a cape situated at approximately 58, 0 metres over the sea level consisting in a green promontory admiring from its summit a striking image composed by a myriad of small cliffs emerging from the North Sea at a short distance from the shoreline.

Other attractions are the spectacular shaped rock formationns of  Priest Craigs and Horse Head which are two other great attractions in their kinds, often immortalised by many professional photographers for their imposing size and scenic shape.

From there I suggest you to continue towards a captivating and charming village called Portnockie, a small centre with a long and old tradition linked to herring fishing since the 17th century.  

That place apart its scenic and picturesque aspect also has a great attraction called Bowe Fiddle Rock, a magnificent big cliff emerging just some metres offshore from the coastline which with all its superb scenic appeal is one of the most photographed attractions in Northern Scotland.

That site in addition is also a fantastic destination for ornithologists and people fond about bird watching offering many opportunities to see different kinds of volatiles with a wide variety of gulls, eiders, fulmars, razorbills and shags among others.

Another attraction is Castle Green located in a striking position on a wonderful rocky tip offering spectacular sea views and in the immediate proximity you can reach Cullen Golf Club, another splendid 18 hole Course established in a stupendous environment and a further chance to play in a great place a short distance from Findochty.

In just some minutes driving you can reach the historic town of Cullen which with its beautiful marina developed in an enchanting  arched bay is scenically a very charming destination but also with an important historic past and some architectural marvels.

It said that in its boundaries concretely under its old Church were buried the organs of the wife of Robert the Bruce the iconic King of the Scots for over two decades also well known as Raibeart Bruis who led Scotland in the first war of Independence against England. 

Lady Elizabeth de Burgh, elevated as Queen of the Scots was the second spouse of that Scottish leader, daughter of a noble Irish family, she died on 27th October 1327 in Cullen in the Royal Residence, her organs were kept in the town but she was buried in Dumfermline Abbey in the council area of Fife.

That pleasant centre despite has as population of about 1350 inhabitants is well known to be a prestigious summer destination boasting a stunning long beach, a scenic historic centre with some fascinating old stone buildings, winding cobbled streets, some very picturesque alleys and Crannnock Wood, a marvellous forest offering wonderful landscapes and stunning panoramic views.

That town in addition is well known for a famous recipe called Cullen Skink, a fish soup made with fresh haddock cooked with onion, milk and adding potatoes, a sort of iconic speciality very popular all around Scotland.

Other places I suggest yo to visit further east are  Portsoy and Macluff, two other picturesque places offering all around their boundaries wonderful landscapes and coastal stretches all to immortalise in your pleasant memories remembering them forever.

The western coastal side in proximity of Findochty is equally beautiful, I recommend you to visit the lovely town of Buckie, during the journey approaching that place you will be enchanted by a striking scenery with great protagonists some small marvellous islets and several stunning cliffs bordering a wonderful coastal stretch.

Once there you can see the famous and active harbours of Cluny and Buckpool which played since the starting of their activities an important role for the community and worth to be visited St. Peter´s Church considered one of the most attractive Religious buildings of the entire area highlighted by its superb twin long spires.

From Buckie you can start other captivating routes coming in the picturesque and wild interior  or continuing until the splendid Inverness, one of the jewels of the Scottish Highlands. (I wrote a post about that city if you are interested)  

One of the best highlights of Scotland is exploring all its areas village by village, Findochty is of course a great start point both east towards the sea arm of that city or also driving westward up to Fraserburgh and via Peterhead reaching further south along an extraordinary eastern coast the other very interesting city of  Aberdeen.

Apart Golf, there are many other outdoor activities to enjoy all around that municipality, some of them are trekking but also mountain bike thanks to the presence of several challenging and fantastic dirt and mixed trails and also fishing is another one. 

During a stay all that could be combined to all those mentioned excursions and visits filling more than pleasant days but also spending restful holidays admiring all around the natural marvels that land offers simply staying in contemplation because Scotland is also great for that kind of tourism, rest, tranquillity, enjoying the very relaxing atmosphere surrounding you admiring in a short space a multitude of natural beauties.

Regarding local gastronomy you will delighted by a cuisine simply great. Salmon is one of the great highlights prepared in different styles such as grilled, boiled and simply superb is the famed smoked Salmon, a variant of high reputation, extremely appreciated. Herring is another sea product very relevant with a secular tradition characterised by a delicious taste, a bit softer than the equally delicious you can find in Scandinavia.

With that kind of fish you can try another notorious dish called Rollmops, a typical plate consisting in fillet rolls fillet with pepper, onion and gherkin, traditionally served with skewers. The previously mentioned Cullen Skink is another icon and the supreme haddock which is the main ingredient of that recipe is also used to prepare the Finnan Haddle which in the process of its preparation it is smoked, served with a sauce, saffron or also with red peppers and onions.

Very common is the traditional Porridge  and also meat is protagonist of the local gastronomy with several kinds of pies made with beef, lamb and pork meats. Very famed are also delicious tender grilled beef steaks and the popular Mince and Tatties, a notorious plate prepared with minced beef accompanied by mashed potatoes, carrots and onions. 

Several are the stews, casseroles and roasts using pork, lamb but also venison. Another delectable speciality is the Scotch Broath consisting in a soup made with slices of lamb sometimes replaced by beef cooked with carrots, barley, cabbage, turnip and leeks.

About desserts and bakery, very ample is the choice and worth to be mentioned the famed Scones but also the appreciated Caramel Shortbread and the Black Bun among others. Scotland is also very famous all around the world for its famous Scotch Whisky brands which boast a long history to narrate, you can have an ample selection and choice next to a very good range of beers.

Inverness Dalcross International Airport is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes driving from Findochty by A96 Motorway. It is a great chance, thanks to many International flights reaching that city including low costs companies. In the case you are planning a trip in the Scottish area I added some links below could be useful for your Fly & Drive and stay.

 

Scotland is a jewel extremely rich of history with a natural patrimony absolutely unique, every corner of that land is a hymn to a magic destination boasting marvellous scattered marvels all around of its territory transmitting every time and incentive and great desire to discover hidden magnificent places which can conceal endless mysteries, ancient Gaelic legends, secrets, historic events and stories which all together characterise probably one of the most fascinating places in the world.

Superb landscapes, a fantastic culture, that land is always a destination among the most recommended for unforgettable, enjoyable, active, restful holidays, no noise or stress, rich of stunning and incomparable sites extremely captivating encircled by a striking wild nature will immediately bewitch you.

That northern paradise of the United Kingdom is always a great choice for tourism and holidays all year  you have to visit enjoy at least once in a lifetime also starting from small but appealing sites as Findochty on an enchanting Scottish coast which transmits unique feelings and once there moving from a place to another in just some minutes you will be enchanted by every corner taking with you pleasant memories absolutely unforgettable imprinted in your mind.

Francesco Mari

Recommended Accommodations in Findochty

Findochty Holidays Cottage- In this web page with links below you can see different kinds of cottages

Recommended Restaurants

you can find some restaurants in the nearest town of  Buckie

as

Restaurant Aurora

Admirals Inn Public House

Useful links

www.findochtyholidaycottage.co.uk
www.visitscotland.com
 www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk
www.strathlenegolfclub.co.uk 
www.sykescottages.co.uk/findochty-cottages.