Spynie Palace, the palace of the Bishops of Moray, consists of a massive 15th century tower 'Davy's Tower' at one corner of a large walled courtyard. The palace was probably built by Bishop Innes, just after Elgin Cathedral has been burnt by Alexander Stewart, the wolf of Badenoch. Bishop David Stewart, who died in 1475, excommunicated the Gordon Earl of Huntly, and built the great keep, Davy's Tower, to defend himself against any retribution. Famous visitor to Spynie have included James IV, Mary Queen of Scots and the Earl of Bothwell. The palace was abandoned in 1688 and became ruinous and now is the property of Historic Scotland. The phantom of a piper is said to haunt the buildings, as is the ghost of a lion, said to have been a pet of one of the bishops, this manifestation has been witnessed in Davy's Tower and in the ruinous kitchen range.