Spynie Palace
Spynie Palace was home to the bishops of Moray for five centuries and makes an interesting addition to a visit to nearby Elgin Cathedral .
Along with St Andrews Castle , Spynie Palace was considered one of the finest Bishop's residences in Scotland . The site originally stood beside the sea loch Spynie and would have been a safe haven for fishing boats and merchant vessels along the Moray coastline.
The earliest surviving sections date back to the 14th Century but the main feature dominating the site of Spynie Palace is the grand 15th Century tower known as David's Tower after the Bishop David Stewart who built it. From top to bottom the tower is built on seven levels and offers superb views over Spynie Loch towards the Grampians and over the Moray Firth to the highlands. Around 1500, an extension was built with a new great hall and chamber, which were built alongside the northern part of the complex.
Throughout its history Spynie Palace has had some notable visitors, James IV came here in 1493 and 1505, Mary Queen of Scots passed through in 1562 and in 1589 her son and successor James VI also visited. Spynie Palace played a supporting role in the region's dramas of the Covenentors but fell into decline when it was abandoned during the reformation.
