Our Journal
Read all the latest news from Gairland, as well as fascinating insights into the history and heritage of some of our buildings and the communities around them. From the historic halls of Braal Castle in Halkirk to the storied streets of Elgin, our history journal dives into the stories of how we used to live, work and thrive.
Early care in the community …
At first glance, Fairview House on the outskirts of Halkirk looks like a fairly contemporary building. The comprehensive refurbishment programme undertaken over the last decade masks the historic significance of the building, which now provides a fine collection of affordable, comfortable residential flats.
Hooked on the Highlands
Salmon fishing as a sport in Scotland was well established before the 19th century, but it took some considerable time for people to be persuaded
Grim Goings On…
The original Castle at Braal probably dates back to the mid-14th Century and is deeply rooted in the strong Nordic influence that reigned in the
Close Encounters
It’s hard to imagine just how much today’s High Street has changed over the centuries. From the distinctive arcaded dwellings of the 1600s to the
Are You Being Served?
Who doesn’t just love the delights of a traditional department store? There’s something for everyone. These shops dominated town centres across the UK from as
Hospitality Down the Ages
‘Hospitality’ may feel like a reasonably modern term in the sense of going out to enjoy a drink, a meal or entertainment, but it has
The Father of Scottish Tourism
Speyside Business Centre is a reasonably new addition to Fochabers’ environs, particularly in comparison to some of the fine historic buildings which make up this
All Singing, All Dancing
While the 19th Century brought a flood of formal banking houses, ‘tippling houses’ and ever-increasing shop premises within the centre, it was felt that respectable
Banking on Us
Similar to Elchies House which formerly stood on the site of the Caledonian Bank (which currently houses one of our serviced business centres) at the
Sophistication Comes to Elgin
There are still many families who will remember visiting the very stylish Park House Hotel & Restaurant at some point in their lives … that
A Touch of Italian Style
With industrialisation, the growth of a decent railway network and busy sea trading with Europe and the rest of the country, Moray experienced a boom
Homes to the Gentry
Moray was prospering in the early 19th Century with wealthy landowners and merchants choosing to build prestigious homes slightly out of the town centre, where
Early Entrepreneurship in Moray
Throughout history, Moray has stimulated a strong sense of entrepreneurship and innovation. People often made their living working for family businesses, many of which were
Preserving Our Past
One way of acknowledging the importance of the past is by preserving historic buildings and structures. It is worth taking care of them for various
If Only These Walls Could Talk
How often have we heard ourselves say ‘If only these walls could talk ….’? It’s great when we come across local stories of Elgin life