Altyre

Part of the Deanery of Elgin, Altyre was a parish from early times but it may have been only a Chapel at its foundation. It was a common church of the Chapter from 1239 and, in a re-grant to this effect by Bishop John Pilmuir in 1331, it was specified that the revenues were to be used for the support of the Chaplains in the Cathedral. Sadly, the dedication of the church, which was endowed with a half-dabhach of land, has been lost over time. The whole fruits of the church appear to have been annexed, although it seems that a vicar's portion was reserved for the incumbent.

 

 

In later times (some time before 1601) the church was attached to that of Dallas, but it was separated again from it in 1657 (Kellas then being attached to Dallas) and was attached to the church of Rafford. It is thought that Altyre fell out of use at this time.

The ruins that remain today are those of a small Gothic Church. The windows and doors are good examples of First Pointed Work, from which the thirteenth century date is derived.

Near to the ruins is a large upright stone, about eight feet high, situated in a cultivated field about one mile north of Altyre House. It was found in the parish of Duffus and removed to where it now stands by the wife of a late proprietor of Altyre. It has a cross incised on one side and various runic carvings on both back and front.

 

 

Altyre was one of three Morayshire estates owned by the Gordon-Cumming family - the other two being Gordonstoun and Dallas - which, together, constituted a considerable portion of the County. The estates give name to the 'Baronetcy of Altyre' held by the family and the current Baronet is also the recognized Chief of the Name and Arms of Clan Cumming (anciently Comyn).

 

 

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