Rattray (historic: Rettre; occasionally: Rattery; Rettrey; Scottish Gaelic: Raitear), (found at grid reference NK088578) had been settled as far back as 4000 BC[1] and was named a Royal Burgh in 1564[2] by Mary, Queen of Scots, "to put an end to the disputes about superiority over it between William Keith, 4th Earl Marischal and George Hay, 7th Earl of Erroll".[3] The ancient burgh was located near to Crimond, but the village was largely destroyed and never recovered after a storm in the 18th century that covered it in shifting sands from the nearby dunes at Rattray Head. However, there is still a small modern settlement in the area.
- ^ "The Web Historian". Archived from the original on 6 October 2007. Retrieved 26 January 2007.
- ^ McKean, Charles (1990). Banff & Buchan: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. Mainstream Publications Ltd. p. 146. ISBN 185158-231-2.
- ^ Rattray Head.net. "Buchan Field Club". Retrieved 6 August 2007.