Fochabers
Inland from the coast is the town of Fochabers and home to the Baxters soups factory.
The A98 runs inland, bypassing the coastal town of Buckie, to reach the pleasant little town of Fochabers, 12 miles west of Cullen. The town is best known as the home of the famous Baxter family, whose name has become synonymous with food, especially soup.
Five miles north of Fochabers, at the mouth of the River Spey, is Spey Bay, site of the Tugnet Ice House, which was built in 1830 to store ice for packing salmon, and now houses an exhibition on the salmon industry and the wildlife of the Spey Estuary. May-Sep daily 1100-1600. Free. T01309-673701.
Next door is the Moray Firth Wildlife Centre, which has an exhibition on the Moray Firth dolphins, as well as other local wildlife, including grey and common seals, otters and ospreys. The centre also houses a research unit studying the resident bottlenose dolphins. Mar-Dec daily 1100-1630; Jul-Aug 1030-1900. Tel. 820339.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Region
MorayTravel Directions to Fochabers
Local Sights & Activities for Fochabers
The Baxters factory now stands west of the bridge over the Spey by the A98, and the Baxter's visitor centre tells the story of the famous food-producing family from 1868, when George and Margaret Baxter opened their grocery shop in Spey Street. There are also factory tours on weekdays, and cooking demonstrations. The Baxter's Spey Restaurant serves good cheap meals and snacks. Factory tours Mon-Fri 1000-1130 and 1230-1600. Free. Tel. 820666, www.baxters.com
Fochabers Hotels & Accommodation
There's accommodation in town at the Gordon Arms Hotel, 80 High St, Tel. 820508. Also Mrs Shand, at Castlehill Cottage, Blackdam, Tel. 820761.