Lossiemouth’s origins have been derived from five separate and distinct communities that were in the immediate area. These communities were Lossiemouth, Branderburgh, Seatown, and the ancient towns of Kinneddar and Stotfield. The roots deep into the past has helped to give Lossiemouth its character.
Existing in what some would call a shambles currently, the original nature of the lands comprising the town of Kinneddar have disappeared since their original formation. In the past, when the settlements were first formed in the area, they were called “Ferm Touns”. Essentially a collective of settlements and domiciles in a group to denote structure. The original placement of those facilities are now long gone. In current existence are evidence of a Pictish settlement having been in the area, as well as many large carved stone pieces. Dating these has placed the lands of Kinneddar to approximately the 8th or 9th century. Most likely a Christian continuance of the original faith, due to there having been many crosses found in the area as well.
The origin of the name, the town’s namesake is somewhat indiscernible. Richard, the bishop of the area at that time, resided there and established the diocese’s cathedral church in Kinneddar. Maps from the 16th century point out this farming community to have been named King Edwards, however the taking of the name from King Edward has been disputed by the Scottish National Library. Edward did stay in the facilities in the area though for a short while when traversing the country, showing that he had an iron grip on the area and everything was in control. It is thought that Kinneddar was likely misinterpreted as King Edward.
At that time, the castles at Elgin, Duffus and Kinneddar were English garrisoned. Robert the Bruce seized and capitalized upon King Richard’s preoccupation with matters in France and England by invading the area. This led to Bruce typically invading each castle, one after the other, and burning them completely to the ground. He was seeking to purge the English influence from the lands. Repelled twice at Elgin castle, he finally succeeded and the place was sacked. The Bishop of Moray’s assistance to Robert the Bruce led to the King excommunicating Bishop. Fleeing east to Norway, the Bishop of Moray later came back after Edward’s death. The village of Kinneddar remained fairly large up until the early 1800s, when it started fading away and merging with the eastern settlement of Lossiemouth.
