Garioch

A district of Aberdeenshire, the Garioch (pronounced 'geery') extends from the Grampians into the lowlands of northeast Scotland, with Inverurie as its chief settlement. It is bounded by Mar to the west, Formartine to the east and northeast and Strathbogie to the northwest and west. Described as 'the granary of Aberdeenshire' it comprises fertile farmland watered by rivers such as the Urie. The Leslie and Forbes families dominated the area in mediaeval times and two decisive battles in Scottish history were fought in east Garioch in 1307 when Robert the Bruce defeated the Comyns at Barra and in 1411 when the Earl of Mar defeated the Lord of the Isles at Harlaw.

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