In the heart of Moray, between the Highlands and the sea, Elgin is a town with a long and dramatic history. Its ruined cathedral was once so magnificent it was known as the Lantern of the North, and the town around it still carries that sense of quiet grandeur.
The Elgin colouring book from Britain in Lines brings its landmarks to life in calm, considered line work.
About Elgin
Elgin became a royal burgh in the 12th century and grew into one of the most important towns in the north of Scotland. Its medieval street plan, with the long High Street running between the old castle hill and the cathedral, still shapes the town centre today.
The town sits on the edge of Speyside, so it's well known to whisky lovers, and the coast and countryside of Moray are never far away. It's a place where history, landscape and everyday life sit comfortably together.
Elgin landmarks to colour
Elgin Cathedral
Founded in 1224, Elgin Cathedral was one of Scotland's most beautiful medieval buildings. It was famously burned in 1390 by Alexander Stewart, the Wolf of Badenoch, and later fell into ruin, but its soaring towers and great west front remain breathtaking. It's a wonderful subject for colour, with stone, sky and grass all in one scene.
Duffus Castle
Just outside Elgin, Duffus Castle is one of the finest examples of a motte-and-bailey castle in Scotland. Its stone ruins sit on a grassy mound above a flat landscape, giving a striking silhouette.
Elgin Museum
Elgin Museum is one of the oldest independent museums in Scotland, housed in a handsome building at the end of the High Street. Its collections include fossils and Pictish stones.
Lady Hill
The site of Elgin's medieval castle, Lady Hill is topped by a tall monument and offers views over the town. It's a peaceful green spot right in the centre.
The Town Hall
A key civic landmark and home to the town's performances and events, the Town Hall reflects Elgin's role as the main town of Moray.
Why Elgin is wonderful to colour
Ruins are some of the most rewarding scenes to colour. You can stay true to weathered sandstone with warm reds and browns, or reimagine the cathedral as it might have looked in its heyday. The wide Moray skies give you plenty of room for sunsets and soft blues.
Inside the Elgin colouring book
The book contains 20 hand-drawn illustrations inspired by Elgin's landmark buildings, town centre and nearby historic sites, all with open, uncluttered line work. It's printed in the UK on thick 160gsm paper, wire-bound to lie flat, with a soft-touch cover, for £16.99.
If you love the north of Scotland, our Scottish Highlands colouring book makes a lovely companion.
A thoughtful Elgin gift
This book is a lovely gift for anyone with a connection to Elgin or Moray, from locals to people who have moved away, and to those who simply fell for the town on a Speyside trip. 10% of every sale goes to Martin House Children's Hospice.
