THINGS TO SEE & DO
Delgatie Castle
Castle
Contact:Delgaty, Turriff
AB53 5TD
01888 563479
[javascript protected email address]
Duffus Castle
Located just north of Elgin, Duffus Castle is a fine example of a motte and bailey castle. The original seat of the Moray family. Strong footwear is recommended and parking is available
Elgin Cathedral & The Biblical Gardens
Elgin Cathedral, or the Lantern of the North as it is also known, is one of Scotland’s most beautiful buildings. Dating back to the thirteenth century the majority of it is now a ruin. There are some parts which remain complete. The Chapter House is one, its octagonal ceiling is said to be one of the best in existence. The Chapter House can now used as wedding venue. Visitors can climb up the spiral staircase to the top of one of the towers, if you are either claustrophobic or afraid of heights,you may wish to think twice before embarking on this journey. Once at the top the views are stunning. The Cathedral under the stewardship of Historic Scotland, opening times can be found on their website. Adjacent to the Cathedral is Elgin’s Biblical Garden, a peaceful three acre space which is open from May to September. Admission is free. Planting is around a central cross and includes all one hundred and ten plant species mentioned in the Bible. It also has many life size sculptures depicting a variety of the parables including the Good Shepherd and the Prodigal Son.
Elgin Local Heritage Centre
Look through old newspapers, browse family records, and discover hidden secrets. Friendly staff are available to help research your family tree.
Contact:Institution Rd, Elgin,
IV30 1RP
01343 569011
Findhorn Heritage Centre and Ice House
The Icehouse has fascinating underground chambers built over 150 years ago to store ice for packing the salmon en route to London. Aspects of the local salmon fishing industry are displayed in these chambers. In the Centre, you will discover the secrets of the Sands of Findhorn Heritage where the story of Findhorn is told from prehistoric times to the present day. Open 2pm - 5pm daily in June, July and August. During May & Sept, open Sat & Sun only.
Contact:North Shore, Findhorn
IV36 3YE
01309 690659
Fochabers Folk Museum and Heritage Centre
Opened in 1984, the museum houses a collection of gigs and carriages and an eclectic array of everyday objects showing the way of life and traditions of the north east of Scotland in the 18th & 19th centuries. Opens Easter weekend and closes end of September. Mon: closed, Tues-Fri: 11am-4pm, Sat-Sun: 2pm-4pm
Contact:High Street, Fochabers
IV32 7DU
01343 821204
Fort George, Ardersier
The most outstanding artillery fortification in Europe, Fort George was built following the 1745 Jacobite rebellion as a base for the army of George II.
Contact:Ardersier, Inverness
IV1 7TD
01667 460232.
Gordon Castle, Fochabers
The Gordon Castle estate offers a wide range of tailor made packages and itineraries for sporting activities, private parties, weddings, corporate groups and events. The fully catered Castle, together with the delightful self catering cottages are also an excellent choice for holidays and short breaks throughout the year.
Contact:Gordon Castle, Fochabers, IV32 7P
IV32 7PQ
01343 820244
Grant Park
Forres House and its grounds were gifted to the town in 1926 by Sir Alexander Grant, a wealthy benefactor of the town. To celebrate its opening, the Australian XI cricket team played a match here. Forres House was the town’s library until the 1970s when it burnt down. The library was rebuilt on the other side of the road and the foundations of the original house were excavated and are now the beautiful sunken gardens. In the park, there are picnic areas, a bowling club, the cricket pitch, woodlands walks, a children’s play area, public conveniences as well as the floral sculptures that Forres has become so famous for in the Scotland and Britain In Bloom competitions. It is also home to the European Pipe Band Championships in June, the Forres Highland Games in July and the Forres Fireworks display in November. . Open all year round.
Contact:Grant Park, Victoria Road, Forres
Kilravock Castle
Located near the village of Croy, between Inverness and Nairn. It has been the seat of the Clan Rose since 1460. The castle is a composite of a 15th-century tower house and several later additions. The original name for the castle was Cill Rathaig; Scottish Gaelic meaning "church at the small circular fort". Castle Gardens are open to the public: Mon-Sat 10am - 4pm. This is free and worth visiting.
Contact:01667 493258
Kinloss Abbey, Forres
It was the largest Cistercian Monastery in the North. Kinloss Abbey is 3 miles east of the town of Forres in the county of Moray. At the time the Abbey was built it would have been a heavily wooded area on the edge of an estuary known as Findhorn Bay which out flows into the Moray Firth. These days the area is very different with the Abbey grounds forming part of the local cemetary. To find the Abbey just follow the signs to Kinloss Barracks from the A96, Inverness to Aberdeen trunk road.
Knockando Woolmill
Based in northeast Scotland and has been manufacturing woollen textiles continuously since 1784. It is recognised as a unique part of Scotland’s manufacturing heritage and was awarded significant funding for its restoration. The Woolmill seeks to minimise its impact on the environment throughout its sourcing and manufacturing processes whilst staying true to its heritage and traditions.
Contact:Knockando, Aberlour,
AB38 7RP
01340 810345