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Elgin Cathedral is an historic ruin in Elgin, Moray. It is often referred to as The Lantern of the North. It was established in 1224, and reached completion near the end of the 13th century. The cathedral fell into ruins mostly due to Alexander Stewart, known as the Wolf of Badenoch.
He gained the moniker due to his notorious cruelty. He was the son of Robert II, King of Scotland and Elizabeth of Rowallan Mure. A Scottish prince and the first Earl of Buchan from 1382 until his death, he was also Justiciar of the North. But he proved to be an uneffective one.
Alexander Stewart tried to divorce his childless wife, Euphemia Leslie, Countess of Ross, and when the Bishop of Moray reprimanded him for this, Alexander began a feud with the Bishop. On 17 June 1390 he took revenge on the Bishop by burning two monasteries, the cathedral and the Royal Burgh of Elgin, along with the Maison Dieu Hospital and the parish church.
The cathedral underwent intermittent repair and reconstruction throughout the following two hundred years. The repair failed to prevent the collapse of the central tower in 1506. The chapter house received a facelift around the same period.
Elgin Cathedral fell victim to the Reformation of 1560. The Pope's authority over the Scottish church was rejected. The congregation moved to the parish church of St Giles in Elgin.
There is a shop and display areas that are accessible with care. The steward may give you a tour, but only if time permits.
Opening Times Summer 1st April - 30th September, daily 9.30am to 5.30pm 1st October - 31st October, daily 9.30am to 4.30pm
Winter 1st October - 31st March, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
PricesAll year Adult £4.70, Child £2.35, Concession £3.70 The last ticket is sold thirty minutes before closing time.
Elgin CathedralElginMorayshire IV30 1HUTelephone - 01343 547171
E mail - hs.explorer@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
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