The historic buildings of Moray

Curlew Cottage is an excellent base for exploring the many historic buildings in Moray. The county is populated with castles: the picturesque ruins of Duffus and Balvanie castles, occupied castles of Cawdor and Ballandalloch, and at Fort George the only building cared for by Historic Scotland still in its employment as a military establishment - although visitors are considerably more welcome than they were during the 1700s...

The Cathedral in Elgin "the Lantern of the North" suffered its final assault during the reformation - although there had been previous assaults, notably by the "Wolf of Badenoch" after the Bishop sided with his wife in a marital dispute. The impressive ruins (left) sit on the on the banks of the Lossie. The Bishops of Elgin resided at Spynie Palace and there are photogenic ruins there and fine short walks and birdwatching. Another residue of the early Christian Church is very much alive and kicking - Pluscarden Abbey was refounded in 1948 and is now a living monastic Benedictine community. The exceptional stained glass, fine Tickell organ, work of the monks, and the quiet peace of the buildings and grounds are highly recommended.