River Ythan

The Ythan /ˈaɪθən/ is a river in the north-east of Scotland rising at Wells of Ythan near the village of Ythanwells and flowing south-eastwards through the towns of Fyvie, Methlick and Ellon before flowing into the North Sea near Newburgh, in Formartine. The name is believed to have originated from a Pictish word of Brythonic origin meaning gorse.

Map of River Ythan, United Kingdom

The lower reach of the river is known as the Ythan Estuary, a Special Protection Area for conservation, particularly the breeding ground of three tern species (common tern, little tern and Sandwich tern) (Lumina, 2004).

The River Ythan has a length of 60 km and a catchment area of 680 km². As figures of the discharge, 6 m³/s or 7,2 m³/s are given.