Okay, where do I even begin? When we set out on our planned road trip to Elgin sometime in September, I thought it was just going to be a simple mission—my partner’s assignment, followed by my solo exploration. But God said, “I have a different assignment for you, my child.”

Let me take you on a journey that left a mark on my soul.

Part I: Accommodation, The Bus, and the Best McDonald’s in the UK

We found the accommodation easily, which was such a blessing. The city of Elgin itself felt calm—a quiet peace settled over it. The accommodation we stayed at was very tidy, but as you know: I always travel with my own sanitizer and disinfectant spray. I disinfected the room, and I laid down my bedsheet and covered the pillows. In my head, that was the only way I could truly settle in.

Now, for a quick detour: If you know me, you know I stopped eating McDonald’s ever since I got to the UK. But we had a kind of early start, and desperate times call for golden arches. I had the McDonald’s breakfast in Elgin, and let me tell you, it was the best I have ever had in the whole of the UK—and I’ve had it in Glasgow! But, but… the best McDonald’s I’ve ever had in Europe, full stop? That was in Ukraine. The taste, the service, the environment’s neatness—it was different. (But that’s a story for another day.)

The next morning, my partner was off to his assignment, and I was ready to explore. I had my list of places to visit, but suddenly, I decided to ditch the taxi plan. I was going to touch the soil of Elgin, so I decided on the bus to the city center.

Oh, the chaos! The live map kept telling me to keep going past what looked like a perfect bus stop. Eventually, I found the real stop—just a small sign, no name, nothing definitive. I had to ask a girl on the street for confirmation. The bus arrived late, and I was almost ready to give up and when it finally came, paying for such a short distance felt like an arm and a leg; however, as a tourist, I paid the fare and hoped for the best.

I had no idea where I was going. There were no marked stops, no Saint Mary’s bus stop, and no Queen’s Gate bus stop. I was glued to my map, hoping I hadn’t missed my stop. Then, suddenly, the bus came to a final stop, everyone got off, and I checked the map again. City Center? Five minutes away. God is good.

Part II: The Moment I Almost Threw Up in Costa

I reached the city center feeling threatened by rain and decided to duck into Costa to map out my movements. I wasn’t hungry, and I don’t drink coffee because it makes my body shake, but I needed to sit down. I ordered the smallest, cheapest thing on the menu—an espresso or something, that little shot of coffee—and stood in line.

The atmosphere was quiet, filled with elderly patrons having their morning coffee and chats. I was waiting for my turn, standing right next to the counter, and that’s when it happened.

A lady was sitting close to the counter with a massive dog. And I mean a big dog. Now, I saw the dog, and I was already tense. Then, she bent down, and the dog started licking her face. Licking her mouth. 

I almost threw up right there at the counter. No jokes, I nearly lost it.

I’ve seen things, but the extreme intimacy of it, followed by what happened next, threw me over the edge: she pulled out a piece of raw beef and fed it to the dog, which then went right back to licking her face. I was shaking. I grabbed my untouched shot of coffee, retreated to a table, and called a friend to try and calm myself down. I couldn’t believe what I’d seen. She left after getting her order. 

As someone from the medical line, I know the implications of that kind of contact—it’s just wrong. I sat there for almost 50 minutes, the coffee untouched, before deciding I needed to move before I choked on the sheer visual shock of it all.

Part III: The Divine Detour & The Lantern of the North

I finally planned my tour and started walking towards the first place on my list: Elgin Cathedral. I was still on the phone with my friend, excited to just walk and be present in the city, when a man suddenly stopped me.

He looked at me, smiled, and asked, “Are you a Christian? You look like one.”
My heart soared! “I’m not just a Christian,” I replied, “I am a believer of Christ.”
He introduced himself as an evangelist and said that he could tell I was a Christian. Praise God! That was the best compliment I could have received.

He said he was on his way to meet a lady and needed an accompanying person. He asked if I could accompany him briefly for accountability’s sake since he is a minister, it was a Monday, and the lady had called him to meet at a restaurant.

I told him I was on my way to the Cathedral. “The cathedral is right down there,” he said. “Go, take your pictures. I am meeting the lady around 11:30. When you’re done, walk back along this road, and we will go meet her together.

And just like that, I had a spiritual assignment woven into my tourist schedule.

I walked to the Cathedral, known as the “Lantern of the North.” The ruins were stunning—I could see everything clearly from the fence, so I didn’t pay the entry fee. The vast, ruined walls, the history—I was soaking it all in. Afterwards, I visited the quiet, beautiful little garden just moments away—the Biblical Garden. It was a lovely, serene interlude.

Part IV: The Holy Spirit Said: ‘This is the Assignment.’

I walked back, half-convinced the pastor would have left. But as I turned the corner, he appeared! “She’s there already. Let’s go,” he said.

I followed him to the appointed spot. We approached the lady, and I almost collapsed for the second time that day. It was the same lady from Costa, the one with the raw-beef-eating, mouth-licking dog.

Holy Spirit, don’t do this to me!

The dog was there, running around. I tried to stay focused, my inner thoughts screaming, “You and this dog!” The Holy Spirit, however, was already speaking to me: “This is the time for you to preach to this girl.”

The pastor explained her story: she is from Scotland, had fled an abusive relationship in London, and was now homeless, as the housing association couldn’t help. The pastor had met her on the street and given her a temporary place to stay in a property he manages.

He sat back and said, “You minister to her.”

I stood up and poured out the Word of God. I preached to her about putting her trust not in man nor in any relationship that has failed her, but wholly in Christ. I preached that God will never fail her and that she needed to believe in herself and in Him. We prayed, and I know that God spoke to her through me that day.

Afterwards, as we walked, the pastor gave me a tour of Elgin’s churches. He explained that there are two types: the Church of Scotland, which is run by the government and where pastors are told what to preach, and the Free Church, which is independent, free to preach the sound doctrine of God’s Word, and does not receive government funding.

He showed me one church that had been sold and converted into a business center and another that had become a mosque. Then he took me to RCCG Jesus House Elgin, which had recently been purchased from the government by a Free Church. He brought me inside and introduced me to the pastor, who was in his office. The pastor asked, “Would you like a tour of the church? I can show you around.”

I was thrilled by the offer and i said yes. He then took me around. It is a beautiful, stunning old church building, well maintained. The pastor mentioned that the elderly Scottish gentleman who has long cared for the property while working with the government would continue in that role. In his words, “He’s an old man, and I think he does this to keep active. We’ll continue working with him—he does a good job and understands the building well.”

The last church he took me to was the Elgin Free Church by Minister Peter Turnbull; it was locked, so we could not go inside, but he gave me a brief history of the church before we started walking towards Lady Hill. 

Elgin Free Church by Minister Peter Turnbull

While walking towards Lady Hill, the final and greatest revelation came to me. The Holy Spirit brought back to my mind an encounter I’d had months earlier in Glasgow—a small criticism I received from a fellow church member during Church evangelism.

We were all sharing our evangelism experiences, and I shared mine. This happened when I was on evangelism, preaching God’s Word alongside another Scottish pastor I had met in the city center, not with my church. I had a lady walk up to  me and ask, “I am gay; does God hate me?” I answered, “No, God loves everyone. This is the time of grace, and if we repent of our sins, God is happy to accept us. We have free Bibles—you can take one and read it to know God for yourself. He will minister to you.”

Afterward, a woman from the church said to me, “We don’t answer such questions in that manner.” I asked her, “Then how do you answer such questions?” She replied, “The Holy Spirit will guide you.” I thought to myself, I answered according to Scripture, and I believe I answered correctly. But perhaps she was influenced by modern woke thinking and felt I should have stayed silent—which I believe is wrong. I often join different evangelical groups to connect with more believers in the body of Christ.

The way she spoke to me that day made me withdraw from evangelism for a few weeks. The unplanned tour was about the gospel’s state, not just the church or its buildings.

In Elgin, God used this encounter to speak clearly to me: “There is work to be done. You cannot be in your feelings. You need to continue preaching the gospel. The Bible is your watchword and your guide. Don’t let anyone quench the fire I have given you.”

A fresh, powerful anointing came upon me that day. No matter the criticism or the person, Melody Jacob will preach the sound doctrine of Christ. This whole day was an assignment—designed to remind me of the work I am called to do.

We walked and talked—about God, about his family, about the churches, and about the need for young people to come to Christ. It was what I needed. The journey was all directed by God. By the time my partner finished, I was spiritually fed and ready to go. I even had him meet the evangelist before we left—a final piece of the puzzle connecting my world with this divine detour.

if there’s anything you can learn from this post today, it should be:

Two Solid Points to Take Away From Elgin

1. Guard the Fire, Guard the Oil. Never let the fire God has given you be quenched by others, especially those who look like you, people within the Church. The devil is subtle—he will use disappointment and condemnation from people you trust to make you feel inadequate and stop your mission. Never give up on the Word of God. People are fine with you identifying as a Christian, but the moment you become a true follower and believer of Christ—walking in His light, doing His will, and practicing and preaching the Word of God just as it is written in the Bible—they begin to have issues with you. That is the world we live in today.

2. Responsibility Has No Excuse. The pastor’s actions—seeking me out as an accountability partner—showed that when a man is determined to be responsible and do the right thing, there is no excuse. His commitment to leading by example, even when alone and ministering, is a powerful lesson in integrity that we should all apply. If there is anything you learn from this post, it is to stop accepting people giving you excuses while they keep doing the wrong things and taking the wrong steps. Demand accountability.

2. Biblical Garden Elgin

Address: Next to Elgin Cathedral, by the River Lossie.

This was my second stop after the Cathedral, and honestly, it’s a beautiful place for quiet reflection. Located just north of the Cathedral, this garden is a true “garden of repose.” It’s a natural, lovely spot right next to the River Lossie.

The History: Opened in 1996, this beautiful garden is designed to bring Biblical stories to life using the plants, flowers, and natural features mentioned in scripture. It’s a peaceful, green oasis where you can meditate and escape the bustle of the town.

My Tip: It is literally a one-minute walk from the Cathedral ruins. Go there, take a moment, and just allow the quiet to settle your spirit.

3. Lady Hill & The Duke of Gordon Monument

Address: Ladyhill, Elgin, IV30 4AP (General Area)

This place is also called Castle on the hill.

This is where the city’s history is literally elevated! Lady Hill is a prominent hill where the ruins of Elgin Castle once stood. The original castle was destroyed in 1314 after the Battle of Bannockburn.

The Monument: Capping the hill is the impressive Duke of Gordon Monument, a tribute to George Duncan Gordon, the 5th Duke of Gordon. It’s a stunning landmark and climbing up (or walking around) offers a fantastic 360-degree view of the entire area.

My Tip: This spot is a great starting or ending point to get your bearings. Walk up to the statue, take in the panorama, and feel the history of the old castle beneath your feet. Feel free to catch your breath if you feel exhausted.

Duke of Gordon Monument

4. Elgin Museum

Address: 1 High Street, Elgin, IV30 1EQ

I wanted to visit this place so much because it is Scotland’s oldest independent purpose-built museum, established in 1843. It holds over 36,000 objects detailing the story of Moray and its people, including world-famous fossils, Pictish stones, and artifacts from all periods of history.

Current Status (My Observation!): On my visit, I saw that the Museum was closed. Later, I checked online, and it’s important to note that due to ongoing issues with the over-180-year-old building, they have been operating in a limited capacity or are temporarily closed at times. The official website states that visits by appointment are sometimes possible, but you must email them a minimum of three days in advance to arrange a visit, which I did but got no response.

My Tip: Check their social media before you go. If it’s closed, don’t fret—it’s less than a 10-minute walk from the Cathedral area and the Biblical Garden, so you can still admire the exterior and move on.

Elgin City Centre & High Street

The City Centre, particularly the pedestrianized Plainstones area of the High Street, is the vibrant core of Elgin. This area is steeped in history and is also where you will find the three modern statues commissioned as part of the “Castle to Cathedral to Cashmere” heritage project—which, by the way, are fascinating, controversial, and deeply connected to the town’s story.

The Elgin Statues: History in Bronze

These are the statues you need to find along the High Street. They are the perfect way to spend a quick hour exploring the local culture and history.

6. The Wolf of Badenoch Statue

Artist: David Annand (b.1948)
Location: Alexandra Road, Elgin, Moray, IV30 1BZ (Near the roundabout on the west side of the town centre)

This statue is a powerful, dramatic depiction of Alexander Stewart, the Earl of Buchan, who earned his infamous name, The Wolf of Badenoch, after he burned down Elgin Cathedral in 1390.

Details: Unveiled in 2016, this bronze statue stands beneath a towering arch that symbolically represents the architecture of the Cathedral he destroyed. The artist, David Annand, aimed for historical accuracy, even consulting pictures of the Wolf’s tomb in Dunkeld Cathedral. Annand had to invent the face because the tomb effigy’s face was smashed, and he specifically made him look “nasty”—a striking tribute to one of Scotland’s most notorious historical figures.

7. The Drummer Statue (The Drummer Boy)

Artist: Alan Beattie Herriot 

Location: High Street, Elgin, IV30 1EA (Sited at the east end of the Plainstones pedestrian precinct)

This is a beautiful, life-sized tribute to a loyal town servant. It depicts William Edward, who was the town drummer for an incredible 62 years, from 1760 until his death in 1822.

Details: Unveiled in 2016, the bronze statue shows the drummer in action, often accompanied by a child running up behind him, mimicking him by hitting a cooking pot with a stick, and a dog jumping up. It’s full of life and a wonderful way to commemorate the ordinary people who made up the fabric of the town’s history.

8. The Dandy Lion Statue

Artist: Vik Quickly 

Location: High Street, Elgin, IV30 1DS (Near the Plainstones/corner of High Street and Batchen Street)

Now, this is the one that causes a commotion. I mentioned seeing the first statue, but the Dandy Lion is unforgettable.

Details: Unveiled in 2016, this large, colourful, two-metre-high creation is designed to be an eclectic blend of Elgin’s heritage. It’s a lion/mermaid hybrid wearing a dapper outfit (top hat, monocle, cane) and dressed in tweeds and cashmere (a nod to Johnstons of Elgin). The fish tail represents the fisherfolk who sold their wares on the Plainstones, and the name plays on the Dandelion flower, which agricultural workers would wear to signify they were looking for work.

My Take: The Dandy Lion has been highly controversial—a local councilman famously called it “cultural and intellectual vomit in technicolor”—but it is absolutely the most talked-about piece of art in the town.

It was on our way back from Elgin that we stopped by River Spey (The river of Life)

Stone and bronze monument with panels depicting the history of Elgin, High Street, Elgin, Scotland, UK

See? Elgin is more than just a quiet Scottish town; it is packed with history, dramatic ruins, and conversation-starting art. If you only have a day, follow this guide.