With a history stretching back well over 1,000 years, there is no shortage of things of interest in the town of Elgin in the north-east of Scotland, past and present. The last of the Pictish kings - Macbeth - ruled this area and his rival, Duncan, died of his battle wounds in Elgin in 1040. The requirements for building the great cathedral, once known as the ‘lantern of the north’, drew craftsmen and tradesmen to the town. By the time of the cathedral’s completion in 1224, Elgin had developed into a thriving, busy community. The ruins of the castle where Edward I took up residence in the summer of 1296 look down on the medieval layout of the town and the house where Bonnie Prince Charlie stayed, as well as the town’s grand Victorian buildings and the modern additions of Elgin today.

A wealth of history and stories of people, ghosts and witches exists amongst the old closes, grand mansions, Pictish carved stones and medieval stonework. Modern developments include major engineering projects throughout the town and the new building for the University of the Highlands. Long-established manufacturers export high-quality food, cashmere garments and whisky to exclusive outlets as well as worldwide, while leisure and sporting activities are well catered for. An A–Z of this busy, growing town is well overdue.

This fascinating A–Z tour of Elgin’s history is fully illustrated and will appeal to all those with an interest in this town in Moray.