Moray, or Morayshire, or Elginshire borders Nairnshire to the west, Inverness-shire to the south, and Banffshire to the east.

Due to the numerous sandy beaches and dry and mild climate, the Moray coast is sometimes referred to as the Scottish Riviera. Red sandstone cliffs rise above the beaches which are puntuated by rocky headlands. The coastal plain rises towards the foothills of the Cairngorms where the water of the River Spey contributes to the quality of Scotch Whisky. The north-east corner of this coastline, known as Buchan is the easternmost point of Scotland.