📌 Burghead, Moray
★★
Any settlement on a headland as prominent as Burghead must surely have been a sought-after spot in times of old. The Pictish fort here is believed to have been the power base for the Fortriu region – a flourishing kingdom from the 4th to the 10th century – and was the largest of its era anywhere in Scotland. As modern Burghead developed, new houses and the harbour destroyed much of the fort, but some of the earthworks remain. A coastguard lookout has since been built on top, with a visitor centre where you can view a couple of the Burghead Bulls – stone carvings possibly representing a pagan bull cult – and perhaps spot marine life out in the firth. The fort’s well can also be visited – cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and featured here separately.
🌍 Location
📌 Off Granary Street, Burghead village centre
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NJ 108692
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 57.703506,-3.497733
🚌 Bus to Burghead
🚗 Street parking
📝 Key info
⌚ Fort is always open. Visitor Centre: afternoons, April to September
🎫 Free
