Elgin Cathedral, Scotland

Elgin Cathedral, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, was established in 1224.

A fire in 1270 damaged the cathedral significantly and the subsequent rebuilding programme substantially increased the size of the edifice.The Cathedral was again badly damaged by burning in 1390 following an attack by Robert III's brother Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan. In 1402 the cathedral precinct again suffered an incendiary attack by the followers of the Lord of the Isles. In 1560 the cathedral was abandoned and the services transferred to Elgin's parish church of St Giles. The lead was removed from the roof in 1567, and the cathedral fell steadily into decay. This was only arrested in the 19th century when it was already in a substantially ruinous condition.

Today the cruciform shape of the cathedral still discernible. The two towers of the west front are mostly complete and are from the first phase of building. The cathedral went through periods of enlargement and renovation following the first two that included the doubling in length of the choir, the provision of additional aisles in the north and south of the nave, and external aisles to the north and south walls of the choir. A mostly intact octagonal chapter house dates to the period of the major enlargement after the fire of 1270. The gable wall above the double door entrance that links the west towers is nearly complete and was rebuilt following the destructive fire of 1390.

Opening Times

1 April - 30 September
Every day 9.30 am to 5.30 pm

1 October - 31 October
Every day 9.30 am to 4.30 pm

1 November - 31 March
Saturday to Wednesday
9.30 am to 4.30 pm

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Ticket Prices

Adult £5.00
Child £3.00
Concession £4.00

Joint ticket with Spynie Palace available
Adult £6.70
Child £4.00
Concession £5.30

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Disabled Facilities

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More Information

Telephone: 01343 547 171

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