Historic Sites

The East Coast of Scotland is steeped in history and rich in ancient sites.
Although the weather was poor I visited Elgin Cathedral, affectionately known as the “Lantern of the North”. One of Scotland’s most beautiful buildings is now a magnificent ruin, much of which dates back to the 13th century. Its many outstanding architectural features fascinating to admire include the country’s finest octagonal chapterhouse. The impressive building still dominates the flat and fertile Laich of Moray.

I also visited Spynie Palace, the residence of the bishops of Moray for five centuries until 1686. The gaunt ruin once on the edge of Spynie Loch represents one of the largest surviving medieval bishop’s houses in Scotland.
In Spynie stood the Cathedral until the see was transformed in 1224 to Elgin, a royal burgh since the 12th century and safer in those tumultuous times. The palace where the bishops continued to live is situated only 2 miles outside Elgin and was also used by the monarchs on their travels. On 1562 Mary Queen of Scots stayed here for two days in the course of journey through her kingdom 1562.
Nothing remains of the early palace. But the magnificent 15th century David’s Tower, 6 storeyed and thick walled, several wide-mouthed gun-holes and the remains of defensive walls can tell of difficult times.