THE GIGGLE FEST: Elgin

I thought I would give you a little snapshot of the small but beautiful part of the world I live in.

I live in a place called Elgin, in the north east of Scotland. Elgin is only 6 miles from the coast and there are numerous beaches that I have taken the kids to over the years.

the bridge to Lossiemouth beach (source)

I was born in Elgin but left soon after and my family didn't return until I was 12. I had been used to living in small towns up til then so Elgin was a bit of a culture shock for me. I hated school and couldn't wait to leave.

Some of you may know very little about the place but it just happens to be the home town of actor Kevin Mckidd who starred in Trainspotting, Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief (to name but a few) and who plays a very yummy doctor in Grey's Anatomy. Although I don't know him personally, I did meet him one Christmas Eve and since then I have found out that he knew my brother Steve really well and used to babysit for his kids.

Kevin Mckidd (source)

The Cathedral in Elgin dates back to the 13th Century and now lies in ruins after it was damaged by a fire started by the Wolf of Badenoch. The beautiful ruins were allowed to crumble until someone decided that the remains should be restored to their former glory. The Cathedral is a real tourist attraction now and people come from far and wide to see it. There have also been quite a few weddings held there in more recent years and some short plays have been put on in the grounds too.

Elgin Cathedral - front view (source)

Elgin Cathedral - back view (source)

In more recent years, behind the Cathedral, the local authority have added the Biblical Gardens which are open to the public. Weddings ceremonies can be held in these beautiful gardens too. There is a lovely peacefulness about the place and it is a lovely place to just 'be'.

The Biblical Gardens (source)

The town centre of Elgin is pedestrianised and the centre boasts a beautiful church called St Giles. This is the church that runs Holly's theatre group. In front of the church is a pretty fountain that for quite a long time didn't work but in recent years has been fixed. It has been fixed so well that walking close to it is not an option as you get a good soaking for your efforts! It is lovely though.

St Giles Church (pic from here)

A distillery on the outskirts of Elgin, called the Glen Moray forms part of the famous Malt Whisky Trail and in the village of Craigellachie is the Speyside Cooperage, the only working cooperage in the UK which provides casks to local distilleries and companies worldwide.

Speyside Cooperage (source)

Elgin is home to famous brands such as Johnstons of Elgin cashmere mills and Gordon and MacPhail, leading Malt Whisky specialist. Only a few miles away are Baxters of Speyside, famous for their soups and Walkers of Aberlour, famous for their Scottish Shortbread. Yum Yum.

making the cashmere (source)

yummy yum yum (source)

famous soup (source)

As well as the many beaches around my home town, there are loads of beautiful walks through woods and hills. The famous Speyside Way idles through a few villages in the Moray area. The main path is 65 miles long and passes through some of the most stunning scenery.