Elgin Cathedral - Elgin, Scotland

Established in 1224, Elgin Cathedral stood outside the burgh of Elgin, close to the River Lossie., replacing the cathedral at Spynie, located 2 miles to the north, which was served by a small chapter of eight clerics. By 1226, the new and developing cathedral was staffed with 18 canons, a number that increased to 23 by 1242. A damaging fire in 1270 led to significant enlargement. It remained unscathed during the Wars of Scottish Independence, but suffered extensive fire damage in 1390 when attacked by Robert III's brother, Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan, also known as the “Wolf of Badenoch”. In 1402, the cathedral precinct faced another incendiary attack by the Lord of the Isles followers.
By the time of the Scottish Reformation in 1560, the number of canons had increased to 25. After those events, the cathedral was abandoned, with its roof's lead waterproofing removed in 1567. While still largely in-tact in 1615, a winter storm brought down the roof covering the eastern limb. In the spring of 1711, the central steeple above the crossing collapsed, taking the walls of the nave with it. Conservation efforts began in the early 19th century and continued until the end of the 20th century, with significant improvements to the two western towers.
Today, it’s still considered a ruin, but is safe to walk through and around.
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