Findhorn’s importance in the 18th and early 19th centuries as the entrepot for Forres and Nairn cannot be over-emphasised, the village owned by the Roses of Kilravock (see Quay Cottage and Kilravock) from the late 1600s to 1776 when sold to the Munros of Novar, Ross-shire. Sea and salmon fishing have also played a great part in the economy of the village.

The houses fronting the bay and harbour originate as sea captains’ and merchant dwellings, including the premises occupied by the Royal Findhorn Yacht Club, mostly dating from the 18th century and having windows in the seaward gables, commanding the coming and going of shipping. The fishertown of single-storey cottages (some now raised to two storeys) is to the east, linked to the shore by numerous foot paths or ‘lanes’ (see above).

Most of the earlier buildings are individually Listed (the icehouse also Scheduled) and the greater part of the village included within an Outstanding Conservation Area, all designated by Historic Scotland.

Fishing, particularly salmon fishing, has played a great part in the village economy: the salmon fishing era vividly interpreted by the Heritage Centre within one of the icehouses close to the former salmon green (for drying nets on poles) and former fishhouse (where salmon were prepared for sale and export).