Pictures of Elgin

About Elgin

Elgin is situated a short distance away from a coast that is famed for its inviting scenery of red-sandstone cliffs tumbling towards sandy beaches.

It is a market town and tourist centre of considerable charm, perhaps it is best known for its ruined 13th century cathedral, one of the finest of all Scotland's ecclesiastical buildings which was burnt down in 1390 by Wolf of Badenoch. Wolf was the outlawed son of Scotland's first Stuart King, Robert II, and he burnt the cathedral at the same time as he burnt most of the town. This fine building now exists as one of the most glorious ruins in Scotland, showing outstanding craftsmanship of the period, beautiful traceried windows, slender arched windows, and in the vaulted choir chapels you can see ornately decorated tombs and carved effigies. The entrance to the cathedral remains, this is flanked by the west towers, and in the east gable there is an exquisite rose window above two levels of lancets. Resting in a magnificent location beside the River Lossie, for many these ruins form the climax of their visit to Elgin, the site has a still, calm atmosphere where one is immediately aware of the hallowed history of the beauty that surrounds you and you feel fortunate to be in the presence of what was once a wonderful house of the Lord.

In and around Elgin visitors will find plenty to do and see, there is no shortage of historic sites, nor buildings. In the town there are properties dating as far back as 1630, some with known associations with the legendry Bonnie Prince Charlie. Pluscarden Abbey, lying 6 miles south-west of Elgin, was founded in the 13th century, but this was also ravaged by Wolf of Badenoch late in the 14th century. Incredulously, a small community of Benedictine monks began an ambitious plan to rebuild it in 1948 and it was made an abbey in 1974. Today, the beautifully restored abbey with its rich stained glass, magnificent banners and relics from its historic past, occupies a picturesque, serene location in a lush green valley surrounded by carefully tended gardens, attracts all who visit Elgin and the lovely Moray coast. It is a true historic treasure, one that should not be missed.

Elgin offers a perfect base for anyone wanting to discover Scotland's famous Whisky Trails, attractive countryside where Royal castle's used to stand, it also offers easy access to the River Spey, the third most important Salmon river in Scotland after the Tay and the Tweed. Other fruits of the river are sea trout and brown trout, it is easily fished with well defined pools, and the river winds through wooded scenery backed by gentle hills.

This part of Scotland is blest with a mild, dry climate, perfect for ambling around the town, strolling river banks or within a short drive relaxing on beautiful beaches shaded by cliffs.

Attractions in Elgin include The Moray Motor Museum and the Elgin Museum, there is a Cashmere Visitor Centre, where you can enjoy guided tours, and for the energetic there is a leisure centre with swimming pools and a sauna.

With all of this, plus a pleasant market town atmosphere, cafe's, inns, hotels and several excellent shops including Tartan shops, it is hardly surprising so many tourists are drawn to this highly scenic, gentle part of Scotland.