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Rothes in Moray
Welcome to Rothes
the spirit of Moray.....!
| | Rothes is an important ancient village located within the Spey Valley. A crofting community for many years, Rothes is now inextricably linked with the malt whisky trail and tourism as a result of its five whisky distilleries, and its proximity to the world famous River Spey, which is renowned for its beauty, pure waters and salmon fishing. Rothes is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Moray. Few other areas can lay claim to such fantastic panoramic views from the heights that surround the village. | Rothes is an important ancient village located within the Spey Valley. A crofting community for many years, Rothes is now inextricably linked with the malt whisky trail and tourism as a result of its five whisky distilleries, and its proximity to the world famous River Spey, which is renowned for its beauty, pure waters and salmon fishing. Rothes is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Moray. Few other areas can lay claim to such fantastic panoramic views from the heights that surround the village. | | | | The village of Rothes has a population of approximately 1,209 residents (Census 2001) and is situated on the western ridge of a beautiful plain in the Spey Valley between Ben Aigen and Conerock Hill, approximately 10 miles south of Elgin on the A941. Although there is evidence of prior settlement, the Rothes we view today was originally established in 1776 in the shape of the cross of Saint Andrew at the request of James, sixth Earl of Findlater. | | Rothes has traditionally been viewed as a farming community with strong ties to the whisky industry. However, Rothes in the 21st century is very much a combination of commercial enterprise and tourism. While still renowned for its distilleries, its enviable position and attractions amid such serene countryside appeals to individuals on many different levels. Rothes offers, golfing; tennis; distillery tours; indoor and outdoor bowling; a children’s play area, world renowned fishing, pony trekking; mountain biking and various beautiful walks that caters for all abilities. So whether you are feeling energetic or just wish to relax amid glorious scenery, Rothes will offer a warm welcome combined with good food and a selection of comfortable accommodation. | | | | If undertaking outdoor pursuits in Rothes you will hopefully benefit from the unique weather conditions that prevail in Moray. As Moray is sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds by the mountainous Scottish Highlands it has a drier, warmer and sunnier climate than you would assume from its relatively high latitude within the United Kingdom. Indeed, the area has recorded some of the longest hours of sunshine in Britain. |
| | Attractions and Amenities
The most recognised of Rothes’ distilleries is Glen Grant. Of the five distilleries Glen Grant is the easiest to find (If driving from Elgin, take the first right at the roundabout just as you come into Rothes. There is plenty of parking space). Originally established to benefit from the pure spring water supplied by the Caperdonich Well on the hillside above, Glen Grant Malt Whisky is among the top selling whiskies in the world. Glen Grant is on the world famous Malt Whisky Trail and benefits from a busy visitors centre with the added attraction of a Victorian Woodland Garden. If you are not a whisky buff, the visit to the restored Victorian Garden is worth the trip alone. On visiting in May it was a delight to walk through such a peaceful setting, the rhododendron display was magnificent in bloom, and you could forget about your worries for an hour or two and merely sit and listen to amazing birdsong. | | | | Glen of Rothes Trout Fishery
Established in 1994 the fishery is unique in the North of Scotland, as it has installed an aeration system that ensures that the much of the fishery remains ice free in winter. Comprising of 6 acres of water, it has a lovely setting in the Glen of Rothes, offers friendly advice and you do not have to book ahead. The fishery is on your right hand side when taking the main road (A941) heading North from Rothes to Elgin. | | Ben Aigan
Ben Aigan lies to the east of Rothes and west of the A95 between Craigellachie and Mulben and rises to a height of 1,546 feet. The steep sides of the hill can be challenging and are forest covered, but the summit provides spectacular views over Speyside and across to Ben Rinnes. A section of the famed Speyside Way follows a forest road round the west side of the hill. Offering world class routes, Ben Aigan is now part of Moray’s Monster Trail for mountain bike enthusiasts. | | | | Walking
There are numerous paths around Rothes that are worth exploring, offering peace and quiet, with the chance to view the many species of animal and plant life while enjoying spectacular views. The featured routes all have signage and waymarking throughout; starting and finishing at the Map Information Board beside the main Rothes road bridge adjacent to the Square. On visiting Rothes on a busy Saturday morning the main road ‘New Street’ had a steady flow of traffic and pedestrians, many of whom were heading towards the plant sale at the Community Centre (The Old Town Hall). However, within a few heartbeats of walking off the main route you leave all the hustle and bustle behind and are immediately rewarded with the spectacular scenery that is Speyside. If you are planning a more adventurous route there is a good selection of shops to stock up your supplies before setting off. | | Golf
Moray is famed for its selection and quality of golf courses. Rothes Golf Course was established in 1990 and is a member owned club. The 9 hole course is situated on parkland, surrounded by woodland, overlooking beautiful panoramic views of the Spey Valley. The Club benefits from a modern Clubhouse offering good facilities. Travel South down the High Street and there is a sign for the club on your right hand side. Then merely follow the road (which immediately takes you past the old Castle wall) to the Club House. It is not far and as the course is set above Rothes you are rewarded with splendid views of the area which will compensate anyone who is having a bad golf day. Incidentally, this is also a pleasant walk if you just fancy going for a stroll. | |
The Castle
Built to protect the vital trade routes to Elgin the site of Rothes Castle is recognised as one of the most ancient strongholds in Moray. It is estimated that the castle was four storeys high and was protected by a portcullis and drawbridge. The castle has strong links with the Earls of Rothes and accommodated many distinguished guests including King Edward I of England in 1296 and Alexander Stewart “The Wolf of Badenoch” notorious for burning Elgin Cathedral. The Castle was abandoned and eventually set on fire by local villagers in 1662, their excuse being that the castle was the haunt of thieves. The Earl of Rothes was reported as being “Highly Irritated”! A brooding wall is all that is left of the castle today but it is an important landmark within the village. On climbing the rise to the wall you can see why it was such a good defensive location with the view it would have commanded over the area. They certainly do not build walls like this anymore.
Rothes History
If you were transported back to prehistoric times and wanted to visit what is now Rothes, you would require to build a boat. The entire area along the plains of Rothes and beyond was submerged under one vast lake. The River Spey also followed a different route on what is now the disused railway line over the Glen of Rothes, and through Lhanbryde to the Moray Firth. The lake would eventually drain away after the force of the Spey created a new route through the narrow gorge at the Rock of Sourden, and cut a course through the plains of Dundurcas and Dipple to the sea.
There is academic debate over the origins of the name Rothes. Two possible theories suggest that the name is derived from ‘Rauis’, Irish for red water (from the banks of the Spey and its burns), or from the Gaelic ‘Rathuish’ meaning bending of the water.
Rolling quickly through the aeons it appears that the roots of Rothes were established at the beginning of the 13th century when King William the Lion, in an attempt to end lawlessness in the area, instructed Peter de Pollok to construct a castle. This would ensure that the main artery for trade and commerce would be protected through Strathspey and over the Glen of Rothes to Elgin. In the 14th century the land and titles of the area would be transferred to the Leslie family (who would later be named as the Earls of Rothes), and the Castle of Rothes appears in their records as “The House of Rothayes”. The castle was abandoned in the 17th century and today the site of the castle is represented by a piece of the massive curtain wall, which originally surrounded it. The site can be viewed on the west side of the High Street, on a high grassy knoll overlooking the town. A more in depth description of the castle is noted below under ‘Attractions and Amenities’.
It is clear that a small settlement would have existed in the shadow of the castle walls during the early establishment of the fortification. Indeed, by the time that the Leslie’s sold their estates in about 1700, the settlement had become a small village taking advantage of the natural amenities provided by the burn running east to west into the Spey. The Earl of Findlater developed Rothes as a planned crofting township in 1776 following the line of the valley north to south, which formed the template for the basic street pattern viewed today and created a cross with the original settlement running east to west.
The original houses built in the 1776 establishment of ‘modern’ Rothes would have consisted of one storey thatched tenements. These have been replaced by the more imposing solid sandstone structures, such as the Town Hall on New Street, and the Rothes Kirk (1781), which presides over the corner of the High Street.
Rothes would remain a predominately crofting community until the mid 19th century when the brothers John and James Grant founded Glen Grant distillery at the North end of the village. The success of Glen Grant would lead to the establishment of Glenrothes in 1878; Glen Spey in 1884: Speyburn in 1897; and Caperdonich in 1898. They were situated in close proximity to take advantage of two vital distilling requirements: a plentiful supply of pure spring water and ease of access to high quality barley. Today Rothes is renowned for the quality of whisky its distilleries produce.
The constant pulse sustaining Rothes throughout its history has been the River Spey. It continues to contribute towards the economy of the area supporting industry and leisure activities
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