03/08/2026
With dreadful wildfires so much in the news it is hard to imagine that almost 200 years ago this week, this part of Scotland faced a very different problem.
In 1829, the months of May, June and July were very hot and dry. However, on the 3rd and 4th of August, torrential rain deluged the Monaliath mountains South of Loch Ness, causing the River Findhorn to flood. This flooding was so extreme that at Randolph’s Leap near Logie, the River rose 50 feet above its normal level. Further downstream, the coastal plain between Forres and Findhorn lay under several feet of water. Local inhabitants were stranded on the rooves of their houses. Down in Findhorn, 5 fishing boats crewed by local fishermen, set sail across the flooded fields and were able to rescue both people and livestock and bring them to safety. At a later date, these gallant rescuers were presented with a commemorative silver medal. One such medal is on display in the Findhorn Heritage Centre.
