Formartine, a central district of Aberdeenshire. It is bounded on the N E by Buchan, on the E by the German Ocean, on the S by Aberdeen, on the SW by Garioch, on the NW by Strathbogie. It comprises all the seaboard from the Ythan to the Don; extends up the N side of the Ythan's basin and past Turriff to the Deveron; and is separated by a ridge of low hills, near Old Meldrum, from Garioch. It contains 16 quoad civilia parishes, and has an area of about 280 square miles. It consists partly of a strong soil intersected by bogs, and partly of an excellent clay capable of a high degree of improvement; and it gives the title of Viscount to the Earl of Aberdeen.

(F.H. Groome, Ordnance Gazetteer of Scotland (1882-4); © 2004 Gazetteer for Scotland)