Elgin Car Hire

Guide of Elgin

Geography

Elgin, a town in Moray, Scotland, was formerly a Royal Burgh. It serves as the county seat for Moray and the economic hub of the region. Originally, it was established on the higher terrain south of the River Lossie, above the present-day Birnie floodplain. Birnie Kirk, a place of worship, was established there in 1140 and continues to do so today.

Climate in Elgin

Winters in Elgin are long, extremely cold, windy, and partially overcast, while summers are brief, chilly, and generally cloudy. The annual average temperature ranges from 1 to 18 degrees Celsius, seldom falling below -4 degrees or rising beyond 22 degrees. If you want to enjoy Elgin's warm-weather attractions, you should go between the first week of July and the latter week of August.

Culture

The name "Elgin" was first recorded in writing in the Cartulary of Moray, which dates back to the year 1190. In the 12th century, King David I of Scotland declared it a royal burgh, and at that time, a castle stood atop what is now known as Lady Hill, in the western part of town. The name Elgin most likely comes from a Celtic root. It might be derived from the Irish word aillé, which means "beautiful location" or "valley" in English. Another option is Ealg, which may mean both "Ireland'' and "good." The Celtic suffixes 'gin' and 'in' denote tiny forms; hence, Elgin might refer to a lovely location that is highly esteemed or even a little version of Ireland.

Things To Do in Elgin

Admire the Elgin Cathedral

The spectacular remains of the great Elgin Cathedral, also known as the 'Lantern of the North,' situated in the centre of the town, attract hundreds of visitors each year. It is regarded as one of the best 13th-century mediaeval churches in Scotland. Its two west-front massive towers, each with a missing lancet window and magnificent archways, will captivate you. The octagonal chapter house, with its reading lectern and animal decorations, is mainly intact. As you observe the rib-vaulted ceiling, the centre column will steal your breath away. The cathedral grounds also include numerous notable tombs and burials, including Scotland's largest headstone, towering at a height of 5 metres and dedicated to the Anderson family, as well as the Pictish stone, which dates back to the 800s.

Explore the Elgin Museum

Elgin Museum, which is housed in an Italianate-style Category A listed building, is Scotland's oldest continually running autonomous museum, having been in operation since 1836. It displays around 36,000 artefacts from across the globe, with a focus on the economic and agricultural growth of Moray during the previous 1000 years. The engraved Pictish stones and the remains of a Bronze Age man are two of the most remarkable permanent displays. There are also ancient fish fossils and coracles that have been designated as nationally noteworthy. Among the prominent pieces on show are those by Constable, Epstein, and Turner. Silver, textiles, and costumes are among the other treasures. There are also shifting temporary displays. The museum is mostly staffed by volunteers, and admission is free.

Discover the Spynie Palace

Another significant tourist site is Spynie Palace, which served as the former home of the Bishops of Moray for 500 years. It was built in the late 1100s on the banks of Lake Spynie and is Scotland's biggest surviving mediaeval bishop's residence. The massive David's Tower, which rises to a height of 22 metres, will take your breath away. It is one of Scotland's biggest skyscrapers, with six stories. Admire the corbels in the great hall and the coats of arms of the three bishops who impacted the tower house's construction. Spynie was the home of the Bishops of Moray until 1682, when it was annexed to the Crown.

Eating Out in Elgin

Elgin boasts a plethora of amazing restaurants and bars that provide delicious meals at affordable prices. Here are a handful of our favourites. Scribbles is a must-visit for pizza enthusiasts. They specialise on classic deep-fried pizzas with a wide range of topping options. Pastas, salads, and calzones are also available. Enjoy the shredded duck hoisin salad or the garlic chicken pizza. Ada Restaurant in Elgin is well-known for serving excellent Turkish food. The genuine welcome makes visitors feel at ease. Try the Ada Special, which includes marinated chargrilled chicken, lamb, and shish kofte, as well as any of their cold mezze appetisers. If you enjoy British food, Linkwood Lodge Brewers Fayre is an excellent alternative for a family lunch or supper. Enjoy their peppercorn-sauce sirloin steak. You may also watch live sports while eating traditional yet great pub fare. Children may have fun in their spacious indoor play area.

Transport

Airport

Elgin is served by Inverness Airport (INV) which is the nearest international airport located 28.8 miles away.

Getting Around Elgin

You can comfortably walk to most places as it is a small place. However, there are also city buses running on bus routes, as well as a number of hire car providers in case you’re planning to take off into the stunning Scottish countryside for some exploring!