Tourist attractions Elgin

This superbly carved Pictish sandstone slab (now under glass), which dates from the 9C, is unique in Scotland. Three sides have decorative carving. The fourth side, the most spectacular, is narrative and depicts horsemen, warriors and headless corpse..

Some say that Elgin Cathedral (1270) was the finest in Scotland. Its beige ruins now stand as a monument to its former beauty and are reminiscent of the intensive period of church building, the 13C. Ravaged by fire in 1390 and subjected to other dama..

The attractive St Giles' Church, built in classical style by Archibald Simpson of Aberdeen, is enhanced by its location in the middle of the main street. It is dominated by the grooved colonnaded portico and bell tower.

An Italian-style building (1843), home to the local history museum: fossils of fish and reptiles found in the area; engraved Pictish stones, notably the Burghead Bulls .

Tiny streets and passageways run from north to south of the town's busiest street. Braco's Banking House can be recognised by its arcades. Further down on the right where the street widens is a 17C Tower , now offices. At the far end of the street..

A number of classic models in this small collection of cars and motorbikes: a model T Ford, a 1937 Bentley, a silent sports car, a Bristol 403 (1953), made by Bristol Aero after the Second World War, a 1929 Rolls Royce Phantom I, transformed into a h..

The ruins of Spynie Palace can be viewed from the outside only. Much of this episcopal seat dates from the 15C. The tower known as Davie's Tower is a six-storey keep with walls almost 3m thick. Patrick Hepburn, the last Catholic incumbent to have liv..

Duffus Castle, set on a flat and fertile coastal plain, dates back to the Middle Ages. The motte hill, crowned by a stone keep is surrounded by a deep ditch. The site is relatively well preserved for a building from this period.

The Fisheries and Community Museum , situated next to the harbour, gives an interesting illustration of the different aspects of fishing, related activities and life as it was in a fishing village at that time. On the upper floor is a reconstitution..

Pluscarden Abbey is set in a pastoral valley. A priory was founded in 1230 and became an abbey in 1974. It has housed a Benedictine community since 1948. Visitors are welcome to see restoration work already accomplished in the church and monastic bui..

This company has belonged to the same family for four generations. It produces and sells high-class grocery products, soups, sauces and jams in particular. A 15 min video film presents the company, this is followed by a guided tour of the factory wit..

The Whisky Trail is a signposted tour of 112km starting from Dufftown. It takes in several whisky distilleries set amid beautiful scenery. Allow around one hour to tour each distillery: Glenlivet (south-west), Glenfarclas (west, near Marypark), Cardh..

The modest but captivating Heritage Centre is located in a disused shop near an old ice house where salmon was once kept fresh.

This internationally reputed New Age commune was set up in1962 and is centred around Universal Hall, a surprising, original wood and stonework structure. People visit the community to participate in a variety of courses aimed at "rising beyond t..

A stretch of dunes, the famous Culbin Sands, were originally stabilised by beachgrass, replaced in 1922 by Corsican pines. Culbin Forest, a site of particular interest to scientists is one of three areas planted to stabilise the sandy coast. Beyond t..

This small local falconry museum also has a collection of traps made by poachers.

This modern cooperage is set on the banks of the River Spey. A viewing gallery allows visitors to enjoy the sights and sounds of the coopers at work. The workshop produces 100,000 barrels per year and there is an intriguing exhibition that recalls th..