Elgin Cathedral was founded in 1224 as the seat of the bishopIic of Moray and dedicated to the Holy Trinity. Known as the ‘Lantern of the North’, work began on the cathedral in the first half of the 1200s, but it is the product of three main building phases.

In 1390 the cathedral, along with the towns of Elgin and Forres were burned by Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan and illegitimate son of King Robert II, also known as the ‘Wolf of Badenoch’. This was done in pursuit of the Earl’s vendetta against the Bishop of Moray, who had excommunicated him for deserting his wife.

The devastation caused by the Wolf of Badenoch required considerable rebuilding. However, this attack was not a unique event, since Alexander, son of the Lord of the Isles in 1402 twice plundered the cathedral precinct. These events underline the wealth which the cathedral represented and it is not surprising that the bishops proceeded in the fifteenth century to erect at Spynie Palace, two miles to the north.

Following the Reformation of 1560, the cathedral began to suffer. In 1568 the Regent Murray removed the lead from the cathedral’s roof. The bells and other materials were also stripped from the building and in 1711 the central tower collapsed.

In 1807, John Shanks was appointed keeper of the cathedral and his efforts to clear the collapsed masonry led to the preparation of a report seeking to highlight the steps required to stabilise the ruin.

Today, Elgin Cathedral is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland and it remains one of the most impressive medieval buildings in Scotland. The two towers of the West Front and the Chapter House are still intact and visitors can benefit from views across Elgin from a viewing platform at the top of the tower.