The Parishes

Bellie and Speymouth Parishes are located in tranquil surroundings along the banks of the magnificent River Spey, in the heart of Scotland's malt whisky country. The parishes are within a modest commutable distance of the cities of Aberdeen and Inverness along the A96. The area can be easily accessed by public transport; there are regular bus services into the area and railway stations can be found in either Elgin or Keith, which are closeby. A map of Scotland, highlighting the Fochabers area The parish of Bellie comprises the area lying to the east of the mouth of the River Spey as far as the Tynet Burn and to a point about three and a half miles south-east of Fochabers. The name Bellie derives from the Gaelic bael and abh meaning river mouth. The two combined parishes extend to some 55 square miles. In the Bellie Parish, the main population centres being Fochabers where the church is located, along with the hamlets of Bogmoor, Tugnet, Nether Dallachy and Upper Dallachy which lie in the area generally known as Spey Bay. The population of the parish continues to rise as a result of private housing developments throughout the area. The neighbouring parish of Speymouth lies along the west bank of the River Spey, from its mouth into the Moray Firth, extending southwards to include the villages of Kingston, Garmouth and Mosstodloch and the neighbouring communities before the boundary with Rothes parish. To the west, it marches with the Parish of Lhanbryd & Urquhart beyond Kennieshillock on the A96 and at Muir of Lochs on the minor road from Garmouth to Lhanbryde. To return to the home page, click here.