Spynie Palace

The largest surviving medieval bishop’s house in Scotland, which served as the residence of the bishops of Moray for 500 years. This historic palace not only functioned as the home of the bishops but also served as a guesthouse for royalty traveling in the area.

Highlights

• Medieval design elements as well as defensive structure points

• David's tower stands as a monument to medieval engineering

• Site was once next to a sea loch that can still be seen from the tower

• Residence of the Bishops of Moray for 500 years

• Utilized by royalty as a guesthouse including Mary Queen of Scots

Practical Information

• Disabled parking is provided but limited wheelchair accessibility.

• Lunch benches are onsite for day trips

Tips for Visitors

• Visitor fees apply see Environment Scotland for prices and/or membership

  
  

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Ferghas' Adventures

A palace you say? Ferghas thought to himself, how odd a palace here. He went to the desk and purchased a ticket to enter. As he walked around the grounds he looked up "that's a tall tower". Grass crept all around and the sound of insects filled the air. Ferghas walked round to the main entrance of the Palace and saw the little holes used by soldiers to throw things at attackers when they were under siege. He tilted his head and looked up at the narrow gate where a portcullis would have come slamming down to shut the gate. As he looked around he could picture everything as it once was. He entered David's tower and he could feel his legs wobble "I don't like spiral staircases" he thought to himself. As he thought this he turned around to see a scared little girl looking at the staircase too. "What's your name?" asked Ferghas. The girl didn't take her eyes of the stairs but answered

"my name is Skye" she said "my parents have already gone up but I'm scared"

"that's ok" smiled Ferghas "grab my fur and we can go up together" she smile and grabbed hold. So together they made their way up slowly, Ferghas leading the way until they reached the top of the tower. From there they saw the view all the way over to the nearby loch. "there we go" said Ferghas "nothing to it" Skye hugged Ferghas then joined her parents as they were also looking around. He thought to himself "that's what a knight would do after all"

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