Burghead’s history dates back to the Neolithic times, but the first fort was built in the 5th century as the town was a power centre for the Northern Picts. The fort was destroyed in the 9th century as power moved from this coastal stronghold to Duffus further inland. Much of the fort was still in evidence in the 18th century but everything changed in 1805 when a much larger settlement on a regular, gridded street plan was laid out. From 1807 the harbour you see today was built by Thomas Telford and Burghead rapidly became an important herring fishing port.
The result was a thriving town, but in the process most of the pictish fortifications were obliterated and today only partial remains can be seen around the outer end of the headland.
By 1834 Burghead was home to 40 fishing boats. The fishing industry has declined in recent years, but Burghead remains home to a number of vessels.
More recently Burghead became an important centre for the malting industry, with barley being malted here for use in Speyside's many distilleries. A further large maltings was built a little to the south of Burghead at Roseisle, where Diageo is currently building its latest distillery.
Burghead today is an attractive mix of planned town, harbour and holiday resort. Little may remain of the pictish fortifications on the headland, but the area does afford wonderful views back over the town and along the coast.
For further information and details, see the following links:
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/burghead/
Undiscovered Scotland - The best online guide to Scotland that we have found!
http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/burghead.html History of Burghead Pictish Fort
www.burghead.com Internet Guide to Burghead, including the Fort, the Well, the Visitor Centre, the Burning of the Clavie, walks, dolphins etc
Angela Oatridge’s guide to Burghead in Brief http://www.oatridge.co.uk/burghead.htm |
