Elgin and Moray Speyside

Situated in the whisky-famous region of Moray Speyside between Inverness and Aberdeen, Elgin is a quaint market town with a big personality. Formerly a proud Royal Burgh, Elgin is rich in history and heritage, alongside a globally acclaimed cashmere industry, ancient castles and outdoor adventures, elusive wildlife and tastebud tingling Scotch Malt Whisky.

History, heritage and culture 

Elgin is a historic town on the map, with plenty of heritage and cultural attraction to visit and experience. Johnstons of Elgin is a family-owned Scottish brand with centuries of experience in textile manufacture. They have been producing beautiful woollen and cashmere products in Elgin since 1797. Book a tour of the 220-year-old mill to see them transform raw cashmere into gorgeous clothing. Shop for lovely, authentic souvenirs and enjoy a tasty lunch or decadent afternoon tea. Visit the site of Elgin’s long-gone castle, which was destroyed in 1308 shortly after the death of William Wallace, and see the majestic ruins of Elgin Cathedral which dates from 1224. Duffus Castle to the north of Elgin is also worth a visit to see the thick stone walls of a once mighty stronghold rise above the surrounding landscape.

Visit Johnstons of Elgin

Coastal experiences 

Beginning in Findhorn and ending in Cullen, the Moray Coast Trail is one of Scotland’s beautiful long-distance walking routes. You’ll come across cliffs, caves and sandy beaches and stunning natural features, such as Bow Fiddle Rock, which is said to resemble the tip of a bow. You may even spot the pod of famous resident dolphins in the Moray Firth, and look out for elusive pine martens, mountain-dwelling ptarmigan, shy deer, and curious seals too. The 50-mile (80 km) route takes around 3-5 days or can be split into sections. 

Plan a walk along the Moray Coast Trail 

Get out on the golf courses 

Play high-quality links courses along the Moray Firth like the demanding Hopeman Golf Course, or beautiful parkland courses, such as Rothes Golf Course, further inland. For a slice of golfing history, look out for courses that were designed by the renowned Scottish golfer ‘Old’ Tom Morris, such as Old Course at Moray Golf Club and Cullen Links Golf Course. 

Book a round of golf in Moray Speyside 

This coastal haven features many towns and communities that will make you feel at home. With wide stretches of sandy shores and glistening tides, jaw dropping coastal formations, ancient woodlands, and a quiet sense of welcome, explore Moray Speyside's towns and find the perfect place to base yourself. 

Aberlour - the home of Walker's Shortbread, whisky and surrounding lush landscapes. 

Buckie – once a thriving fishing and shipbuilding port, today Buckie is a small fishing town on the Moray coast with great scenery and wildlife. 

Cullen - beautifully situated at the eastern end of Cullen Bay, the attractive seaside village of Cullen is famous for its dish – Cullen skink. 

Dufftown - the vibrant and thriving Highland village of Dufftown is the 'malt whisky capital of the world'! 

Fochabers – the charming village of Fochabers lies close to the River Spey between Buckie and Elgin on the main Moray coastal route. 

Forres - the attractive town of Forres is one of Scotland's oldest small towns. 

Keith - the friendly town of Keith sits on the Speyside Malt Whisky Trail and is a charming historic town nestled in the Isla valley. 

Lossiemouth - often referred to as 'the jewel of the Moray Firth' this town is a golf-oriented resort in the region. 

Rothes - situated deep in the heart of Speyside, Rothes is home to four distilleries and a must-visit for the whisky lovers! 

Tomintoul - the highest village in the region, sitting on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park, here you can combine rugged landscapes, the iconic Snow Roads, and the great outdoors.