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.

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.