Elgin Cathedral
Elgin Cathedral, known as the 'Lantern of the North', was established
in 1224 by Alexander II as the seat of the Bishopric of Moray.
It is second in size in Scotland only to St Andrews
Cathedral. Much of the work is in a rich late 13th century style,
and is the superb ruin of what many think was Scotland's most beautiful
cathedral.
The transepts west towers and parts of the choir
and nave survived a fire in 1270. After extensive rebuilding the
cathedral survived until 1390 when it was burnt, then again rebuilt,
during the 15th century.
The Cathedral was vandalised during the reformation,
and eventually fell into ruin. The towers at the entrance to the
main chapel are still intact. There are several effigies on the
tombs.
There is also a Pictish stone, which is situated at the centre of
the
cathedral. There are several symbols inside the walls of the cathedral
and there is a great view of the town from the North Tower.
Biblical Gardens Nestling in a quiet corner of Cooper
Park, close to the centre of Elgin and adjacent to the Cathedral,
lies a piece of ground, some three acres in size, upon which has
been established a biblical garden.
The creation of the garden, the first of its
kind in Scotland, is particularly appropriate on this site, as Moray
has for over fourteen centuries played an important role in the
development and changing fortunes of the church, similarly, its
close proximity to Elgin's historic cathedral, literally just over
the wall! made this site the obvious choice. Click
here to download a PDF on Elgin's Biblical Garden.
Whilst using the Bible as its reference
point and including all one hundred and ten plants mentioned therin,
together with sculptures depicting the parables, it is clearly intended
that this garden as well as being of considerable interest to those
who study the scriptures, will also encourage anyone who enjoys
gardens and gardening, to visit. Obviously, gardens being living
things constantly change, not only throughout the season, but also
develop and grow through the years, thus sustaining an attraction
which may be different upon every visit and thus should encourage
one to return time after time, providing the original project captures
the imagination.
Spynie Palace
Spynie Palace was built as a residence for the Bishops of Moray.
The cathedral that accompanied the palace has not survived the tests
of time. The existing ruins date from the early 1400's and the later
1700's. The original residence was built in 1207 after Bishop Brice
obtained approval from the pope to establish a cathedra, Holy Trinity
at Spynie.
The tower in it's present state is the combination of early construction
and 16th century reconstruction. It has been dubbed David's Tower
for Bishop David Stewart. He used the tower as his private residence.
The surrounding ranges contained the hall, kitchens and residential
areas for supporting the palace.
The palace has been a key figure in several political
arenas. Monarchs would stop and use this palace as their residence.
The struggle for religion, Catholic vs. Presbyterian, played a big
part between early 1500's and late 1600's. Spynie has passed through
several hands and families.
Spynie fell into disrepair after 1689. It passed to the state and
in 1825, the Barons of Exchequer began care for Spynie. In 1838,
they sold the land to the trustees of the Earl of Fife for upkeep.
The ruins were returned to the state in 1973.
Elgin Museum
The museum was founded in 1836, it is independent and is managed
by the Moray Society.
The Museum houses many important collections of
Natural History, Geology, Archaeology, Science, Art, Ethnography
and Social History.
It is best known for pictish stones and unique
local fossils. You can learn about the story of Moray, the early
farmers who changed the Moray landscape 6,000 years ago, and the
Picts who left their strange symbols carved in stone. The exhibitions
try to show much of the museums treasures by holding activities,
workshops, conferences and courses.
Pluscarden Abbey
Pluscarden Abbey is six miles from Elgin town centre, and it is
one of Scotland's most unusual attractions.
It was founded in 1230 by Alexander II for Valliscaulian
monks. It was in the thirteenth century that the monks first came
to Pluscarden Abbey.
It is the only medieval monastery in Britain still
inhabited by Monks and being used for its original purpose. It is
situated in a sheltered, south facing glen against a background
of forested hillside, this adds to the beauty of its architecture
and the restful atmosphere.
Moray Leisure Centre
Moray Leisure Centre, opened in 1993 and was one of the first Leisure
Trusts in Scotland. The composition of the Board of Directors, four
prominent members of the community and three local councillors,
aligns well with current thinking regarding community involvement.
The Centre, consisting of an Ice Rink, Leisure
and Training Pools, Relaxation Suite, Health & Wellness Suite,
Child Care Facilities, Pre-School Nursery and Cafe Bar, promotes
as its theme throughout " A new concept in health". This
is readily reflected in the Health & Wellness Programme, which
includes a GP Referral Scheme and Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme.
As well as actively promoting community health
the Centre provides a varied programme of classes, events and activities
for a broad spectrum of ages and abilities. This results in the
Leisure Centre being among the highest in the UK for visits per
head of population. As should be expected, visitors to the Centre
can be assured of a friendly and courteous welcome as demonstrated
by our 4 star Leisure Centre award from the Scottish Tourist Board.
Motor Museum
The Moray Motor Museum is an independent museum situated in Elgin
in converted mill buildings at Bridge Street.
Pay a visit and take a trip into yesteryear with
the car that you used to dream of, or the one that Uncle had. Come
along and share in the Moray Motoring Heritage.
The Johnstons Cashmere Visitor Centre
JohnstonsCashmere specialises in providing luxury retailers worldwide
with the finest Cashmere knitwear, accessories, homeware and woven
piece goods.
In effect they offer a complete cashmere lifestyle,
designed with international trends in styling and colour very much
in mind, and manufactured in Scotland to the highest standards of
quality.
For a complete list of all attractions, click
here
