Elgin Cathedral

About the museum

Work on Elgin Cathedral began in the first half of the 1200s. It became the spiritual centre of the diocese of Moray, but the bishop's seat had earlier moved between Kinneddar, Birnie and Spynie, and it settled at Elgin around 1224. The building was richly carved and decorated with stained glass and paint, and one bishop of the late 1300s boasted that it was the ornament of the realm.

The east end was greatly extended after a fire in 1270, and the choir and presbytery date from around that time in a style that is unique to Elgin. The octagonal chapter house was built in the late 1200s and holds a well-preserved lectern and many carved beasts and faces. The west front, with its two tall towers and processional entrance, is regarded as one of the finest architectural achievements in Scotland.

After the Reformation of 1560 the cathedral lost its role and fell into ruin, although it was used only occasionally for Catholic worship. Much of the nave survives only as foundations, but the rest stands remarkably complete. Elgin has more medieval memorials than any other Scottish cathedral, among them the tomb of Bishop John Winchester and the effigy of the first Earl of Huntly, who died in 1470.

Today the site is cared for by Historic Environment Scotland. A cathedral museum shows more about the building and its history.

Highlights

• 13th-century west front
• Octagonal chapter house with carved beasts and faces
• Scotland's tallest gravestone, 5 metres high
• Pictish cross slab with a rare image of falconry
• More medieval memorials than any other Scottish cathedral

Permanent exhibitions

• Cathedral museum – A museum at the cathedral adds to the story of the ruins and of the many carved stones and medieval memorials found on the site.
• The cathedral ruins – Visitors can walk through the nave, choir, presbytery and chapter house and see the west front, the 5-metre-high Anderson gravestone and a Pictish cross slab.

Founded

1939

Operated by

Historic Environment Scotland

Admission & discounts

Online advance prices are shown (adult £10, concession £8, child £5); tickets bought in person cost £11, £9 and £5.50. Historic Environment Scotland members enter free, and Explorer Pass holders and members of English Heritage, Cadw or Manx National Heritage can enter free or at a discount. A carer for a visitor with disabilities enters free (up to two carers per booking). A 25% discount applies to online bookings by visitors who arrive by bus, train or bike.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The site is entered over tarmac and paved pavements, and the ticket office and shop are reached over a small threshold. Entry to the cathedral involves six stone steps with a handrail and a further flight of four steps, but an alternative level route is available; please ask staff. There are many small level changes and archaeological remains, and the ground is mainly cut grass. The chapter house is reached down stone steps without a handrail. An adapted toilet is in the shop. There is no dedicated visitor parking, but visitors can be dropped off at the entrance. Assistance dogs are allowed everywhere; other dogs are welcome on a lead except in roofed areas.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The cathedral is on National Cycle Route 1, and bicycle storage is available. The entrance is on King Street, a short distance from the town centre.

Amenities & dining

• Museum shop

The site has a shop, toilets and a water bottle refill point.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

The cathedral can be booked for weddings, for example in the chapter house or the open-air presbytery.

Plan your visit