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