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 Elgin Cathedral also known as "The Lantern of the North" Once described as 'the most beautiful of Scotland's medieval cathedrals', the great three-towered Elgin Cathedral was founded in 1244 by Alexander II as the seat of the Bishopric of Moray. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity and replaced the former foundation at Spynie to the north. The transepts, west towers and parts of the choir and nave survived a fire in 1270 and after extensive rebuilding the cathedral survived until 1390 when it was burnt along with the towns of Elgin and Forres by Alexander Stewart, the 'Wolf of Badenoch', in a vendetta with the Bishop of Moray who had excommunicated him for deserting his wife.
Much work has been done to restore and preserve the stonework by Historic Scotland over the years and to this day the work goes on. The cathedral will probably never be restored to its former glory but it still remains a popular attraction for tourists and visitors.
Elgin Cathedral is located just off the A96 around half a mile to the south east of Elgin Town centre. The opening times for the cathedral are as follows: Apr -
Sept: Mon-Sun: 9.30am-5.30pm Last entry 5pm
Nov - Mar: Mon, Wed, Sat & Sun:
9.30am-4.30pm Last entry 4pm Admission Prices: | Adult (16-59yrs) £4.70 | Concession (60+) £3.80 | Child (5-15yrs) £2.80 | Times & Prices correct as of 26
July 2010 |
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Extensively
rebuilt during the 15th century, the cathedral was vandalised during
the Reformation and eventually fell into ruin. Following a spell
of severe neglect and decay the cathedral was taken into the care
of the nation around 1825.