On this day

On this date in 1564 Mary Queen of Scots elevated the tiny settlement of Rattray to Royal Burgh status. This was not because of its size ( only 8 families were recorded as living there in 1561) nor for its strategic importance but to resolve a long running dispute over the lairdship of the village between the Earl of Erroll and the Earl Marischal. At that time Rattray was centred round a busy harbour on Strathbeg Bay which was used by traders and fishermen.

However, the harbour began to silt up and in 1720 a huge storm threw up a sandbar cutting the lagoon off from the sea to form the Loch of Strathbeg. Rattray declined and all that remains of the settlement is the ruined St Mary's Chapel. Built in the 13th century this is one of the oldest structures still standing in N.E Scotland.

The extra shows the Loch of Strathbeg - now an RSPB reserve and the site of the Royal Burgh.