Elgin’s Industrial History – what’s brewing?…

There’s no lack of fast flowing rivers in Moray and by the 16th century, watermills were the largest source of motive power. Watermills were established across the country as early as the 12th Century to drive the wheels of industry including sawmilling, grain milling, producing cloth and even grinding ingredients for gunpowder and providing the power for huge bellows to keep furnaces roaring.

Elgin’s Industrial History … definitely worth its salt …

There’s no lack of fast flowing rivers in Moray and by the 16th century, watermills were the largest source of motive power. Watermills were established across the country as early as the 12th Century to drive the wheels of industry including sawmilling, grain milling, producing cloth and even grinding ingredients for gunpowder and providing the power for huge bellows to keep furnaces roaring.

Gairland unveils “Chanonry Court” industrial units and offices on A96

Erin Beaton, Gairland’s Letting Manager

Gairland has revealed a £2.5million expansion to its portfolio of commercial properties in Moray.Gairland, which owns and lets a collection of business centres, retail spaces, and hospitality units in the region, unveiled the seven-figure investment following the purchase of Chanonry Court. The multi-million pound deal will see Gairland offer 18 industrial units and warehouses for […]

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 …?

Wolf of Badenoch

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?

Old photo of the St Giles Shopping Centre in Elgin

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 […]