Get more from Moray

From unique festivals to historic towns and a wonderful coastline, there’s plenty going on in Moray

Recent figures released showed that tourism had a r e c o r d £57.9million impact on the local economy in Moray in the first six months of last year while everything is pointing to annual visitor numbers hitting the 800,000 figure for the first time this year.

Moray Speyside Tourism’s operations manager Laurie Piper previously told the Press and Journal that a combination of factors were leading to a lot more people coming to the region to see what it and Speyside has to offer.

One colourful attraction currently underway for the fourth year is the Scottish Rhododendron Festival. Gardens and estates across the country, including two venues in Moray, are taking part in the festival which runs until May 31.

The festival aims to encourage local audiences and tourists to enjoy the wonders of Scotland’s gardens during the rhododendron flowering period and highlight the diversity and plethora of rhododendron collections that can be found in Scotland.

Venues taking part in the festival include Gordon Castle, Fochabers, and Brodie Castle, near Forres. During Gordon Castle’s Highland Games on Sunday, May 20, visitors will be able to enjoy both the red and white rhododendrons, whilst enjoying other activities.

At Brodie Castle, good displays of spring bulbs and shrubs, including dog’s tooth violet and rhododendrons can be seen and on the SGS open days, garden staff will be leading guided tours of the garden. Opening features include homemade teas and plants for sale.

Jo Robinson, VisitScotland regional director, said: “Moray Speyside’s wonderful scenery and landscapes remain as popular as ever with visitors. Now is the perfect time of year to get out and about to explore our great outdoors, and what better way than to visit the many stunning gardens and estates to see the rhododendrons in bloom.” For more information and events listings visit www. discoverscottishgardens. org/events

What’s also been blooming in Moray is the residential property market.

According to Savills Spring report, in Moray house prices have been rising steadily. The average house price increased annually by 3% last December reaching £166,248, which is the highest level in 16 years, while there was improved activity in the market with properties over £300,000.

It’s no wonder many people fall in love with the area and choose to put down roots here. It enjoys something of a mild microclimate, thanks to the Gulf Stream passing while its coastline – which takes in communities such as Lossiemouth, Hopeman, Burghead, Cummingston, Cullen and Buckie – has numerous excellent beaches, attractive surroundings and good amenities.

All of which make Moray a great place to put down roots and raise a family, but it’s also ideal for those looking to downsize and retire to a friendly community. Here, the property market is pretty buoyant with a mixture of older properties and lots of new-build homes on the market.

One of the oldest towns in the region, and Scotland, is Forres, but while it is an ancient royal burgh, the town is very much alive and kicking with a good range of facilities, including a new and improved railway station, primary school and a high-performing secondary school, and sporting

Brodie Castle, near Forres in Moray