Elgin, situated in the heart of Malt Whisky Country is the capital and commercial centre of Moray. It is a former Pictish province steeped in history with lots to see and do. Elgin is home to
Scotlands only
Biblical Garden where plants of the Bible can be seen along with sculptures of Biblical figures. There is a large park with sporting facilities such as tennis, pitch and putt, bowling and a childrens play area. Moray Leisure Centre is within easy reach and has sporting facilities such as squash courts, swimming pool, ice rink and state of the art gymnasium. The High Street is pedestrianised and plays host to a variety of shops and restaurants including an indoor shopping centre. South Street is also worth a look with an excellent Whisky shop and delicatessen called Gordon & Macphail, a famous whisky merchant. Elgin has its own golf course and there are at least 12 golf courses in Moray.
The elegant
cathedral in the city of Elgin known as the Lantern of the North was founded in 1224 and in its time was the most beautiful cathedral in
Scotland. In 1390 it suffered the wrath of the notorious Wolf of Badenoch, Earl of Buchan and son of King Robert II, after Bishop Burr excommunicated him for his audacious extramarital activity and claims for more money, quite ironically to look after the belongings of the
cathedral. It was the first time that royalty had been excommunicated in
Scotland. He pillaged Elgin and the nearby villages, set them alight in his wake and concentrated especially on places of worship. The
cathedral, which bears witness to the turbulent past of the historic area of Moray, eventually fell into ruin after the Reformation. In its present state it still remains one of the finest examples of Nordic influence in
Scotland. A 6
th century Pictish slab can also be found in the choir.
The Moray Area is renowned for its nature and none less than the dolphins, porpoises and whales, which live off its coast in the Moray Firth. A visit to the Wildlife Centre at the mouth of the River Spey is as exciting as it is educational. The famous Moray Dolphins are resident close by and they actually seem to enjoy the attention they get from visitors.
And whilst the dolphins are the number one attraction there are so many more - Grey Seals and Common Seals together with a variety of wildfowl and wading birds. Osprey too can be seen hunting for food along Moray's rivers, so elegant and still so very rare. From the shore you may also see harbour porpoises and, if you are really lucky, killer whales. The Spey's water is an essential ingredient in Moray's most sought after product – Malt Whisky. Moray boasts 51 distilleries, many of which are producing world famous brands. Think of
The Glenlivet,
Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich,
Strathisla,
Glen Moray,
Glen Grant, Cardhu and Dallas Dhu.
These, together with the working Speyside Cooperage are the stops along the
Malt Whisky Trail. Each of the producers has a fascinating story to tell through guided tours and displays all coming together to form a unique attraction not to be missed, certainly not by the many connoisseurs of The Water of Life. Situated in the west–end of Elgin stands the oldest and only remaining meal mill on the river Lossie. Although it is no longer open, it still deserves a visit and it's history can be traced back to a royal charter of 1230 granting its rights to the monks of
Pluscarden Abbey, a 13
th century monastery built in 1230. It too was partly burned by the Wolf of Badenoch in 1390. Today it remains a practicing Benedictine abbey and is open to the public with masses in English and Latin. Well worth a visit.
