Haggais

Haggais is a small rural community situated in the rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands, approximately fifteen kilometres east of the district town of Grampian and about one hundred and fifteen kilometres northwest of Edinburgh. The settlement lies within the historical boundaries of the former Morayshire shire and is surrounded by lowland moorland that rises to the nearby Mealt Ridge. The name Haggais is believed to be derived from the Gaelic “achadh ghàis,” meaning “field of the ravine,” reflecting the area's characteristic dry valley.

The earliest documentary reference to Haggais appears in a 17th‑century charters list, where it is described as a minor farming hamlet. Over the next two centuries, the village grew modestly, largely supported by small‑holdings of oats and barley and a handful of sheep farms. In the late 19th century the construction of a narrow‑gauge railway to the nearby town of Inverurie facilitated limited economic expansion, bringing raw materials and foodstuffs in and out of the village. The railway was removed in the mid‑20th century, and Haggais has since remained a largely agricultural community.

According to the 2011 Census, Haggais had a population of 112 residents, a figure that has remained stable in recent years. The community's main industry is still agriculture, with a small cooperative that processes locally sourced dairy. Haggais also hosts a community hall that serves as the venue for local events including seasonal fairs, a historical society gathering, and a bi‑annual sheep-shearing festival that attracts visitors from neighbouring villages. The village is served by a bus service connecting to the district centre of Grampian and the larger city of Inverness. Nearby tourist attractions include the Mealt Ridge Trail, which offers scenic views of the surrounding moorlands, and the ancient stone circle of Grey Hill, situated a few kilometres to the south.