"This small region has its boundaries in the west in the River Spey, on
the north the gulf of the Ocean, and on the east the region of Boyne, [starts at Cullen], while the southern parts touch on Strath
Isla", [Aultmore].
The area of Enzie, pronounced "Ingie", covers completely the parishes of Rathven and Bellie.
"It is wholly given over to cereal production, and being rich in crops never fails the farmer's expectation, yet it is poor in grass. Although
Moray with its rich soil and mild climate wins the prize for crops and fruits over all provinces on this side of the River Dee, still
Enzie is equal in crops and inferior in garden produce rather because of the failure of the inhabitants than by the nature of the soil. The sea
is full of fish. As there is a deficiency of lime here, the fields near the Ocean are fertilised with seaweed, which is thrown on to the shore
with great force by the twice daily incoming tide; farm-servants stand by at the prescribed times, and to stop any being lost as the tide goes
out pull back the fleeing seaweed, immersing themselves in the water in cruel winter (often too at night). But this method of agriculture is
not peculiar to these places, but when the shore spreads out and the sea is close by, it is common to all unless rocks prevent it. On the bank
of the Spey sits Bog of Gicht, an elegant and spacious castle, raised to a great height, and more splendid than the others of these regions; it
lacks nothing whether you consider pleasure or utility, being surrounded with lovely gardens and an ample four-part enclosure, for
the use of deer; there is there an abundance of both kinds, as also of rabbits, hares, wild geese and ducks. The name of the place is
from its low and wooded site. In former years it was magnificently enlarged by the Marquess of Huntly, owner of all this area. Between
this and the neighbouring Boyne lies a wood clothed until quite recently with high oaks; but now having been totally cut down, it is regrowing
to a new stock over the neighbouring hills." Robert Gordon, (1580-1661), The Blaeu Atlas of Scotland.
Places named:
N[ether] Dallachy; Dallachy; Achinreth; Tannachy; S[hore] Buckie; Freugh[n]ey; Crooked Haven [at Findochty]; Finnachtie;
Raffan K[irktown]; Rannes; Buckie; Letterfurie; Cairnfield; Arradoul; Leichestown; Cochorach [Cowfurach?]; Tynet;
Belly K[irktown]; Bog of Gight; St Ninian; Oxhill; Corydown; Tarbreich; Bruntown.
