Tourist Information - Local History and Heritage
The area is steeped in history and wherever the visitor looks there is evidence of Moray’s past, whether it is the ruins of Elgin Cathedral or the old road bridge at Craigellachie designed by Thomas Telford or our Museums. Moray Council’s local heritage centre in Elgin is a mine of information for those interested in carrying out research. The Registrar also has information for ancestry researchers.
Find out more about places to visit in Moray by using the links below:
Auld Brig of Keith, Keith
Packhorse bridge from 1609
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keith,_Scotland
Balvenie Castle, Dufftown
Originally the seat of the powerful Comyn earls of Buchan. Historic Scotland maintain the castle.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/balvenie-castle/
Brodie Castle
Magnificent turreted castle with a playful garden and over 400 varieties of daffodil.
https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodie-castle
Burghead
Once an important Pictish fortress and port
Burghead Visitor Centre: http://www.burghead.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burghead
Covesea Lighthouse
Covesea Lighthouse, designed by Adam Stevenson, was completed in 1846 and stands above the beach at Covesea, one mile west of Lossiemouth.
www.covesealighthouse.co.uk
Craigellachie Bridge
Finest remaining example of Telford's ironwork in the UK
https://www.visitscotland.com/info/towns-villages/craigellachie-bridge-p1457971
Duffus Castle, Elgin
A fine example of a motte and bailey castle. Maintained by Historic Scotland.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/duffus-castle/
Elgin Cathedral, Elgin
The lantern of the North. Maintained by Historic Scotland.
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/elgin-cathedral/
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/elgin/cathedral/index.html
Elgin Closes
Steeped in history
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/elgin/elgin/index.html
Elgin Museum
World famous fossils
http://www.elginmuseum.org.uk/
Fisheries & Community Museum, Lossiemouth
The life and dangers of the fishing industry
https://www.lossiemuseum.co.uk/
Fishing Heritage Museum, Buckie
History of fishing and maritime industries
https://www.buckieheritage.org/
Fochabers Folk Museum and Heritage Centre
Local memorabilia
http://www.facebook.com/FochabersHeritage
Falconer Museum, Forres
Newly refurbished but retaining Victorian ambiance
http://www.falconermuseum.co.uk/
Gordon Castle
A family-owned, 15th century castle that hosts a popular Highland Games each May.
https://www.gordoncastle.co.uk/
Kinloss Abbey, Forres
It was the largest Cistercian Monastery in the North
http://www.kinlossabbey.org
Knockando Woolmill
Restoration project underway
http://www.knockandowoolmill.org.uk/
Ladyhill, Elgin
Castle ruins and Duke of Gordon monument
http://www.castleuk.net/castle_lists_scotland/28/ladyhill.html
Local Heritage Centre, Elgin
Research your family tree
Macbeth's Hillock, Brodie
Where Macbeth is reputed to have met the three witches
http://morayleader.org.uk/projects/macbeths-hillock
Moray Heritage Connections
An excellent resource detailing many of Morays heritage centres, museums and associations.
www.morayconnections.co.uk
Moray Motor Museum, Elgin
A superb collection of cars and motorbikes
www.moraymotormuseum.org/
Mortlach Parish Church
One of the oldest sites of Christian worship in Scotland
Church Street, Mortlach, Dufftown, Keith, AB55 4BR
Nelson's Tower, Forres
Monument with great views over to the Black Isle
http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_67070.html
Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin
Medieval monastery still being used for its original purpose
http://www.pluscardenabbey.org/
Rothes Castle, Rothes
Only one wall remains but great views from Castle Hills
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/rothes/rothescastle/
Scalan Seminary, Glenlivet
18th century Roman Catholic Seminary
https://www.scalan.net/
Spynie Palace, Elgin
Historic residence of the Bishops of Moray
https://www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/spynie-palace/
Thunderton House, Elgin
Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed here en route to Culloden
2 Thunderton Place, Elgin, IV30 1BG (just off Elgin High Street)
Tomintoul Museum
The highest museum in the Highlands
http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_627.html
Tugnet Ice House, Spey Bay
Built in 1830
http://www.undiscoveredscotland.co.uk/speybay/speybay/index.html
* Please note: Moray Council is not responsible for any of these external websites