Researching History – the heart of our community
In the last few months I’ve been immersed in the local heritage of Moray and Caithness, piecing together as much information as I can on a variety of topics …
Elgin’s industrial past … from small beginnings
Moray throughout the ages has been described by historians as a land of rich, fertile soil which could boast prime agricultural lands with a less harsh climate than that experienced in other areas of Scotland. There’s no doubt that this good fortune contributed greatly over the centuries to the economic development and growth of the region.
History – learning from the past …
I’ve always been fascinated by history. Living in an old farmhouse, I was amazed by the detailed historic map we had on the wall dated 1654, which clearly dates our farm to that era. Although the farm is no longer family owned, I’ve still got the map proudly hanging in our home today.
Elgin history – the lone Wolf …?
Having done some digging on the various references to Badenoch in this area and reading about the infamous Wolf of Badenoch, I’m swaying a little on just how fierce a tyrant he was compared to his peers, who all ruled very firmly with their sword at this time. What is certain is that there’s no absolute certainty.
The wild side of Elgin history …
Moray was without doubt one of the most important regions of Scotland from early times, with the county town of Elgin becoming a place of great influence. The surrounding forests and rich plains became the favourite destination for early monarchs to enjoy prolific hunting grounds. In the early 1200s, the town was established as the main episcopal seat for the local bishopry …
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 more stately architecture of the Georgian and Victorian eras, life in the many closes leading off the High Street was much less appealing. In medieval times, access to what was […]
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 early as 1796, when it is reputed the world’s very first ‘one-stop-shop’ was opened in London, selling haberdashery, millinery, jewellery and clocks. Many of these stores were established by drapers […]
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 its roots firmly in ancient history. During the age of early travel and the development of trade routes across the north of Scotland, local inns offered primitive rooms with stable […]
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 Elgin Society needed a special meeting point for celebrating grand occasions in veritable style. The formidable Assembly Rooms building was situated at the top end of North Street, opposite the […]
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 west end of the High Street, the 17th Century ‘Braco Banking House’ became home to a well-to-do family, the Duffs, who started the lucrative business of lending money to estate […]