Lossiemouth looks down over two sandy beaches which are rich in willife including plovers, oystercatchers and curlews

Buckie and Portnockie are two neighbouring coastal villages at the eastern end of Moray, bordering Aberdeenshire and near Lossiemouth. Both are historic fishing towns and Buckie still is to this day, although aside form some part time lobster and crab creeling boats, Portnockie harbour is largely used by recreational craft. Buckie is also unique in still retaining an active shipyard, demonstrating the strong links that the communities here have with the sea.

There are plenty of coastal and inland walks in the area with an abundance of wildlife on land, in the sea and in the air. A favourite destination for many is bow fiddle rock, a stunning natural rock formation on the coast resembling the end of a fiddle bow. This is particularly popular with photographers when the northern lights are on full display, as the unique rock formation frames the spectacular light show perfectly.

Archaeological remains hint at the region’s historical importance. A rocky outcrop naturally defends the village, and on here, the remains of multiple iron age and Pictish forts have been found. Tronach Castle defends another rocky outcrop.

The villages are set at the eastern end of Spey Bay, a shallow indent on the Moray coastline that attracts the world-famous bottlenose dolphins in to feed and play. These wonderful creatures can be seen leaping and splashing from the shoreline, so don’t forget your binoculars! If you want to get out on the water and see them closer up, tour boats leave from Buckie to sightsee and spot wildlife along the Moray coast and beyond. It’s also possible to see otters playing on the coastline, or an osprey soaring overhead and swooping down to pluck a fish from the water.

A long-distance walking route, the Speyside Way, starts here – this route takes you south to Aviemore, tracing the River Spey through heather upland, forests, arable farmland and eventually emerges at the edge of the Cairngorms plateau.

There are several independent local shops and cafes in both villages, but the closest supermarkets are in Banff and Elgin, around 15 miles in either direction.

Buckie and Portnockie are just two of many attractive fishing villages along the Moray coastline that are well worth exploring for their spectacular coasts, wildlife and history. Whether you’re coming here for a holiday, to start the Speyside Way walk or just passing through, take some time to explore these pretty villages.