Elgin Things to Do

At times you can go to a fishery, and feel nothing goes right for you. Wardend bucks this trend, not only is this fishery well stocked and managed, but you do get the feeling that the love of fishing is still at the heart of the venture. I went and caught three Rainbow trout (loads more rising) and it was 3 for 8lb, typical stockies. More importantly though was the fishery owner/manager came along and gave us advice and free instruction on what to fish. It isn't a busy fishery (and all bank fishing), but it deserves an evening in anyones holiday fishing calendar. Tight lines.

Elgin cathedral is a haven of calm just off the busy ring road - not well signposted, but worth looking for. Its in ruins, but you can imagine what it was like - a masterpiece of gothic masons' work in light brown/gold stone. Some delicate window tracery is left, and you can see what craftsmanship went into the building. Just wander around, relax and imagine...

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Moray the region where Elgin is located has lots of distilleries each worth a visit. Signs of little pagodas dot the roads of this area. Nearly all distilleries have a pagoda head I'm not sure why but I do think they are cute ventilation shafts to perfume the air! Linkwood Distillery is a solid brick built building which saw its beginnings in 1821 established by Peter Brown who was a factor in the Linkwood Estate. Today it is owned and managed by the giant Diageo Company who still produce the original oaksmoked, lightly sweet and gently smoky Linkwood Whisky. I loved the little dam and canal which are both ornamental and functional, the functional side carries the waste water from the distillery making the waters warm, but no quick dip for me - it was cold outside but I did appreciate this little waterways beauty especially when it made its way to the natural burn. Visiting is by appointment only - telephone in advance.

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We discovered this old dairy while taking a walk with my Grandson Finn on a brisk but bright October day. The road which passes here has no pavement but little traffic travels here just remember to walk in the same direction as oncoming cars and it is fine. The dairy was built in the Victorian Era and shows of its style very well. In its heydays it was a big producer of milk and other dairy products, sadly today with modern technology and health and safety production would not be allowed in such buildings. The people of our past knew how to construct beautiful buildings, I particularly liked the bell tower and clock. I'm sure the bell tower wasn't constructed to bring the cows home for milking but maybe due to the eccentricity of the Victorians maybe it was! On our return we passed Linkwood and were greeted by the wonderful Autumn colours of the woods - worth a look on there own.

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The city of Elgin hosts a fun run organised by the local Rotary Club bi annually in June. The race involves a circuit of a real marathon of 26 miles through the closed city centre streets. Relay teams of up to eight members can sign up for this race, or if you want to run alone this is also popular. Most of the runners were in fancy dress and it was a lot of fun to watch. While the runners were sweating their stuff, we all had a great time, especially the kids who were well entertained with the many amusement stalls. Here you will find lots of food and drink stalls, Finn certainly enjoyed his first taste of fresh strawberries and found a love for hot dogs.

Several examples of the work of the well known engineer and architect Thomas Telford can be found near Elgin.

They include Craigellachie Bridge on Speyside (1814) - perhaps the best known - Cullen Harbour (1817-19), Tomintoul Church (1827) and Old Bridge of Avon.

Telford was born in the Scottish Borders, and much of his career's work is in England & Wales.

You can take a guided tour of the Glen Moray distillery. It's located on the western edge of town, as you come in from the Inverness direction.

It takes about an hour and costs £3 for adults - children free. A free tasting is included at the end, so if you can get there and back without the car, that's ideal! I had the tiniest of tastes, just to satisfy my curiosity. Impressed!

My 14 year old found it very interesting (I hope in the context of his chemistry and biology studies, and not for any other reason).

The visitor centre has a shop and cafe area.

Check in advance about tour times, so you don't have a wasted journey or have to wait around.

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This is also across the street from the Cathedral. It dates back to 1557, and is believed to have been the town house of the Bishops of Moray.

It bears the arms of Bishop Patrick Hepburn (1535-73) and Robert Reid (Abbot of Kinloss and Bishop of Orkney).