Moray

The name, first attested around 970 as ', and in Latinised form by 1124 as ', derives from the earlier Celtic forms *mori 'sea' and *treb 'settlement' (cf. Welsh môr-tref). During the Middle Ages, the Province of Moray was much larger than the modern council area, also covering much of what is now Highland. During this period Moray's status fluctuated; it was sometimes an independent kingdom, and at other times a vassal of Alba (early Scotland) to the south. In the early 12th century, Moray's last independent ruler, Óengus of Moray, was defeated by David I of Scotland, and the area was then absorbed into the Kingdom of Scotland. It was divided into the shires of Elginshire, Nairnshire and…