For those visitors that are interested in immersing themselves in history, there are plenty of ancient ruins and examples of period architectures throughout the area in and around Lossiemouth. Whether you are wandering through the ruins of Spynie Palace or Duffus Castle, feeling very small among the majestic ruins of Elgin Cathedral’s octagonal chapter house, seeing the grandeur of Gordonstoun, or being awestruck by the magnificence of Pluscarden Abbey; you will feel the history that is radiates from these historic sites. Close your eyes and you can easily imagine how imposing these structures were in their day.

If you are a castle fan, there is a castle not far from Lossiemouth that is well worth making a day trip to visit. Built in the 16th century, Ballindalloch Castle is a family home that is open to the public for viewing. The gardens and grounds of Ballindalloch Castle are stunning. This historic castle is one of the Scotland’s few privately owned castles still occupied by the original family, the Macpherson-Grants. The estate has its own golf course, offers fishing and shooting packages, and has accommodations on the estate that start at £45.00. At very affordable prices to tour the castle and grounds, £18.00 for a family being the most expensive, this should be on your itinerary of things to do.

Lossiemouth can lay claim to beautiful beaches. West Beach is a 3-mile stretch that is guarded by the Covesea Lighthouse. This beach is a windsurfer’s dream, provided the wind is cooperating. Rocks however can make this area dangerous as they do present a hazard to windsurfers and boaters. By contrast, East Beach’s beautiful rolling dunes and stretches of sand are a tranquil setting. The dunes were artificially created using old railway cars place parallel to the both the sea and the River Lossie. Taking a picnic and enjoying a day of swimming and unwinding on East Beach is a splendid way to spend your time.

Hiking, walking and cycling are ideal ways to pass the time in this area. There are many trails and designated paths so you can enjoy coastal or countryside outings. There is even the Malt Whisky Trail so that you can visit some local distillers. Birdwatchers should have their binoculars and journals at hand as they will be sure to find many birds that fascinate them.

If being out on the water is more to your taste, there is no lack of fishing or dolphin watching opportunities. Moray Diving runs fishing charters and dolphin spotting runs. You can also visit The Moray Wildlife Centre at Spey Bay and watch the dolphins playing and seals sunning themselves.

Golf aficionados need not look far for a bit of links golf and a course to challenge them. The Moray Golf Club in offers two different courses that are challenging in their own right. The views that you have while golfing is pure bonus.

When you visit Lossiemouth, spend your time enjoying yourself and soaking in the character of the area. It is truly a jewel in northeastern Scotland.

In that century the seats of Papal authority existed in surrounding areas both close and far away from Elgin itself. The position and residence of that seat was held by Bishop Bricius. For his own personal reasons and possibly for a greater cause, the petition was a success in 1224 when it was finalized. The original cathedral remained in its prior position in Spynie until the successor to Bricius who was in power when the cathedrals institution in Elgin was confirmed.

It is a unique structure when looked at in from an architectural perspective compared to other structures in Scotland. The houses, or chapters of the facility were octagonal and were a pronounced feature that attract much attention from tourists and historians to this day. Those parts of the cathedral are mostly intact to this day, a testament to their strength and engineering.

The century after being built held some chaos for the cathedra. In the space of the 12 years from 1390-1402, it was both burned and attacked two separate times. The Earl of Buchan and the Isle Lord; as well as their follers, were respectively responsible, for both acts of destruction.

Attempts to reconstruct and repair the cathedral as well as the structures on its grounds met with minimal success in the 15th and 16th centuries. As befell so many of the other structures of the day, Elgin Cathedral fell prey to the abandonment of the Scottish Reformation. Use of the building was pretty much abandoned and forgotten until the 19th century, and the early 20th century.

Preservation on Elgin Cathedral began in the early portion of the 1800s and quite sometime later in the last half of the 20th century the restoration of the block work was completed. The restoration made the structure stable and it appears to have risen from the ruins. Although not restored to the full glory it saw in its prime, the Elgin Cathedral still stands as a beautiful piece of architecture and is well worth the visit.

Lossiemouth is home to several examples of incredible architecture from different centuries. As you tour through the area, there are some landmark buildings that you cannot help but be drawn to. The history that permeats this area cannot help but be felt by those that visit Lossiemouth.

The Elgin Cathedral has parts that date from the 13th century as well as the best example of an octagonal chapter house in Scotland. The chapter house was constructed in the 15th century.

Unfortunately Duffus Castle was deserted in 1705 and is now in ruins. Andrew Moray burned the original motte-and-bailey castle to the ground in 1297. Duffus Castle was rebuilt as a more secure stone castle in the early 1300’s and was occupied until it was abandoned.

Originally built in the early 1200’s and rebuilt in the early 1400’s, Spynie Palace was the fortified seat of power for the Moray bishops for over 500 years. This impressive structure was left empty and uncared for from 1688. In recent years, Historic Scotland has undertaken restoration work on the palace.

Gordonstoun School is housed in an excellent example of 17th century architecture. This huge and magnificent building set on 150 acres was converted to coed school in 1934.

Covesea Skerries Lighthouse was designed by Alan Stevenson, the uncle of Robert Louis Stevenson, and was completed in 1846. The impetus to build the lighthouse stems from 16 ships being wrecked in a single storm during 1826.

Perhaps the most famous son of Lossiemouth is Ramsay Macdonald, the first Prime Minister from the Labour Party. He rose above the encumbrance of his illegitimacy, as well his poverty stricken beginnings to become a very visible and powerful political figure. He was unpopular for his outspoken views against the involvement of Britain’s involvement in World War 2 and his pacifist views led to his expulsion from the Moray Golf Club. His health in decline, he agreed to step down as Prime Minister in 1935 and subsequently passed away in 1937.

As with many towns and villages in Scotland, Lossiemouth has an amazing tapestry of history. In addition to the history, Lossiemouth offers so much diversity that there is something for everyone to do and see.

The city of Elgin is the bustling center of the area with many stylish shops and a highly pedestrian-oriented transportation base. In fact, it is rather high in the frequency of variety and specific shops compared to surrounding areas and communities. High Street has many 19th century buildings towering over the main walkway and is a sight of magnificent viewing to those who tour here or reside there.

Lady Hill once carried the full structure of Elgin Castle, however little more than a shambles or remnant of the original castle remains today. Most of the people say the climb is worth it though if only to get a panoramic view of the entire land below. Elgin Cathedral, the town’s prominent church facility, dates all the way back to 1224 and stands as a testament to its importance and prominence; having been dubbed the “Lantern of the North.” Also contained within the cathedrals grounds are many representations of Pictish culture and many crosses exhibiting the craft by those people so many centuries ago.

The Moray Society runs a museum, one of Britain’s oldest facilities of its nature, in Elgin. In 1842, the museum was built to showcase pieces from worldwide, abroad, and many of those from close to home. Currently around 26000 pieces find their resting place there for perusal by those who desire to learn a bit more about world and local history.

Pluscarden Abbey, a unique monastery, sits six miles from the Elgin’s town center. It is unique in the fact that it is still up and running with its intended and original purpose in mind; the housing and teaching of monks. It’s rare to see a medieval monastery still functioning in any capacity, much less its original. Moray District is a county full of ancient sights.