Cromarty harbour

©Calum Davidson

I was born in Fochabers and although not living close by the sea we were always aware of it being not very far away – only a matter of a few miles as the crow flies. Fochabers nestles in a hollow, and so to enjoy the many beautiful walks surrounding it you have to climb to the higher ground and no matter what direction your walk takes you, be it through the forests or up on the moorland, you will always catch a glimpse of the Moray Firth in the distance.

Fish was a very valuable food source and we were fortunate to have two fishwives who called each week. They would arrive with huge creels on their backs, full to the brim with lovely fresh fish which they had carried for more than a mile from the railway station to the village. Fortunately they found a ready market with the village people and so their return journey was easier.

We had many outings to the seaside: Portgordon when we were very young children and Spey Bay when we were old enough to cycle there. I remember enjoying a wonderful holiday in Portgordon. Our temporary home was a bell tent and a whole new world opened up to us with the sea literally on our doorstep. Our ‘camp site’ was near the salmon fishers’ nets and they used to keep us supplied with freshly caught flounders from the nets – delicious eating for hungry campers. We never needed to be entertained during our holiday by the sea; having sea, sand and rock pools was all that was necessary in those halcyon days.

I have lived by the sea for the past 30 years and have seen the sea in all its moods. One day it would be like a millpond with scarcely a ripple breaking the surface, the blue dome of the sky reflected on the glassy mirror below. Another time a strong wind would ruffle the surface, making the sea look angry and surly with the grey sky scowling above. But the full fury of the sea would be seen when a north east gale would howl through the Sutors, dashing the waves against the rocks of the North Sutor while the fury of the gale whipped up the waves, sending the white horses prancing towards the shore.

But the sea at its most beautiful is at sunset – those moments when the heavens are flooded with glorious brilliance of colour and the sun rays touch the sea, turning it to liquid gold and crimson – quite, quite beautiful.

Fochabers and Cromarty – by Jess Matheson.