Cullen

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Cullen (disambiguation).

The Royal Burgh of Cullen (Gaelic: Inbhir Cuilinn) is a burgh in Moray, Scotland, on the North Sea coast 20 miles east of Elgin. The village has a population of 1,327 (2001). The heart of Robert the Bruce is said to be buried in its old kirk (church), which also contains many Templar graves, distinguished by distinctive skull and crossbones motif. The village is also famous for Cullen Skink, a traditional soup made from smoked haddock, as well as its four ex-railway viaducts, which are now part of the national cycle network.

The burgh received its first known charter in 1455, from James II.

The old town of Cullen was demolished in 1822, although remains can still be seen next to Cullen House. The Earl of Seafield and Findlater moved the town half a mile away to provide himself with greater privacy, resulting in "the Seatown". The fishing industry developed shortly afterwards. The new town was planned by George MacWilliam, and built between 1820 and 1822.

The main part of Cullen House dates from 1543, but an east wing was added in 1711, while there were also alterations by David Bryce in 1858.