Findhorn's fascinating history

MORAY'S MP praised the volunteers running a historic village attraction following a visit to the site.

Douglas Ross was given a glimpse of how villagers on a stretch of the Moray coastline used to live after being shown around the Findhorn Heritage Centre and Icehouse.

He said: "It was really interesting - I was really impressed by the exhibits, the knowledge of the volunteers, and the volume of information and historical items that are packed into the centre.

"The fact that the fishing industry in Findhorn was such an important part of village life is something worth celebrating and commemorating. People in the area are right to be proud of their heritage and it is testament to those who have contributed items to form displays and old pictures, as well as the volunteers that these stories can continue to be heard and shared."

Mr Ross was pleased to hear that the centre hosts groups of children, as displays fit in with a number of items on the school curriculum.

He added: "The volunteers have an amazing amount of material on display and are hugely knowledgeable. This makes for an outstanding visitor attraction that I would recommend to local people and visitors to the area."

Secretary of Findhorn Village Heritage Elaine Burns explained that volunteer Campbell Ross acted as guide and explained the role of the icehouse in the local salmon industry.

She said: "Douglas listened to one of the audio stories of local man Bill Fraser whose reminiscences gave a glimpse into salmon bothy life.

"In the heritage centre, Douglas met a local bird expert who had just finished an update of the bird board and further explored the history of Findhorn through displays and exhibits in the second shed. Douglas also watched a short film dating from 1930s, showing coastal salmon fishing in action."

The centre is open at weekends from 2-5pm in September. For more information, see https://www.findhorn-heritage.co.uk/