List of monastic houses in Scotland

List of monastic houses in Scotland is a catalogue of abbeys, priories, friaries or other monastic religious houses in Scotland.

In this article alien houses are included, as are smaller establishments such as cells and notable monastic granges (particularly those with resident monks), and also camerae of the military orders of monks (Templars and Hospitallers). The numerous monastic hospitals per se are not included here unless at some time the foundation had the status of an abbey, priory, friary or preceptory/commandery.

A Monastic Glossary follows the listing, which provides links to articles on the particular monastic orders as well as other terms which appear in the listing.

Abbreviations and key

The sites listed are ruins unless indicated thus: * indicates current monastic function + indicates current non-monastic ecclesiastic function (including remains incorporated into later structure) ^ indicates current non-ecclesiastic function (including remains incorporated into later structure) $ indicates remains limited to earthworks etc. # indicates no identifiable trace of the monastic foundation remains ~ indicates exact site of monastic foundation unknown

Trusteeship denoted as follows: HS Historic Scotland NTS National Trust for Scotland CS Church of Scotland

Communities/provenance: shows the status and communities existing at each establishment, together with such dates as have been established as well as the fate of the establishment after dissolution, and the current status of the site.

Formal Name or Dedication: shows the formal name of the establishment or the person in whose name the church is dedicated, where known.

Alternative Names: some of the establishments have had alternative names over the course of time. In order to assist in text-searching such alternatives in name or spelling have been provided.

Monastic Glossary: following the listing, provides links to articles on the particular monastic orders as well as other terms which appear in the listing.

List of establishments by county/region

Aberdeen

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Aberdeen Blackfriars		Dominican Friars founded between 1230 and 1249, purportedly by Alexander II; secularised 1560-87; granted to George, Earl Marischal 17 May 1587; site currently occupied by Old Blackfriars public house	St John the Baptist	57°08′55″N 2°05′15″W
Aberdeen Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars, Observant founded 1469; secularised 29 December 1559; friars resigned entire possession over to the Town Council; granted to the Town Council by James VI 30 December 1567 for conversion into a hospital; extant buildings passed to George, Earl Marischal 22 September 1593; church became derelict until 1624; restored 1624 by the citizens; in parochial use until 1903		57°08′58″N 2°05′48″W
Aberdeen Monastery		Benedictine monks supposed establishment; founded before 3 April 1231, when the Pope granted the use of the church of Culdedono to the abbot and convent 'de Aberdona' ; possibly no monastic foundation here
Aberdeen Red Friars		Trinitarians founded before 1274	The Church of the Holy Trinity, Aberdeen	57°08′44″N 2°05′47″W
Aberdeen Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars founded c.1273; dissolved 1560-83; passed through several ownerships, eventually granted to the Town Council by James VI 26 October 1583		57°08′44″N 2°05′57″W

Aberdeenshire

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Aberdour Monastery		Celtic monks traditionally founded by Colum Cille and Drostan mac Coscrach, his disciple — provenance doubtful
Clova Monastery		Celtic monks founded before 1157, reference in bull of Adrian IV who confirmed it to the Bishop of Aberdeen
Deer Abbey		traditionally founded 6thC by Colum Cille — provenance unreliable Cistercian monks daughter of Kinloss founded 1214/19 by William Comyn, Earl of Buchan; dissolved 1560; erected to a temporal lordship for Robert Keith, becoming Lord Altrie, (charter 1587); (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Deer	57°31′24″N 2°3′14.5″W
Ecclesgreig Monastery		church of Ecclesgyrg granted to St Andrews by Richard, Bishop of St Andrews, confirmed to St Andrews by William the Lion between 1189 and 1195
Fyvie Priory		Tironensian monks dependent on Arbroath; founded in or before 1285, granted to Arbroath by Reginald le Chen (Cheyne); (asserted foundation 1179 by Fergus, Earl of Buchan likely to be confusion with parish church foundation); united with Arbroath by the Pope 21 August 1459 on petition of the abbot and convent of Arbroath; dissolution unknown, possibly survived to the Reformation	The Priory Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary and All Saints, Fyvie	57°25′47″N 2°23′35″W
Monymusk Priory		Culdees founded 1138; Augustinian Canons Regular refounded c.1245; dissolved 1617	The Priory Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, Monymusk ____________________ erroneously Monymaill in Fyfe	57°13′38″N 2°31′21″W
Mortlach Monastery		traditional early site of bishopric of Aberdeen
Turriff Monastery		Celtic monks founded before 1131; dissolved after c.1150	St Congan's Church	57°32′16″N 2°27′56″W

Angus

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Arbroath Abbey		Tironensian monks — from Kelso founded 1176 (1178) by William the Lion; church dedicated 8 May 1233; church damaged by lightening 1380, monks removed temporarily to other locations during repairs; mitred abbey 26 June 1396; dissolved 1606	The Abbey Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Arbroath	56°33′45″N 2°34′56″W
Brechin Monastery		Culdees probably founded before 975; site now occupied by diocesan cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Church		56°43′51″N 2°39′41″W
Monifieth Monastery		Culdees 12thC; secularised by c.1220: land granted to Nicholas, witness to charters of Countess Matilda, by Earl Malcolm c.1220; land granted to Arbroath 1242-3
Restenneth Priory		possible early foundation built c.710 at the instance of Nechtan, King of the Picts; Augustinian Canons Regular founded between 1161 and 1162, St Peter's church granted to Jedburgh by Malcolm IV; dissolved or secularised 1606	St Peter ____________________ Restennet Priory	56°39′12″N 2°50′46″W

Argyll & Bute

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Artchain Monastery, Isle of Tiree		Celtic monks founded founded 6thC? by Findchan, contemporary of Colum Cille
Ardchattan Priory		Celtic monks founded by Findchan; Valliscaulian monks — from Val des Choux founded 1230/1; part of church in parochial use to 1722; site now largely occupied by Victorian house; (HS)	The Priory Church of Saint John the Baptist, Ardchattan	56°27′47″N 5°17′38″W
Bledach Monastery, Isle of Tiree		Celtic monks founded before 577 by Brendan, founder abbot of Clonfert
Cella Diuni, Loch Awe		Celtic monks possibly founded by Diun
Garvellach Islands Monastery		traditionally founded late-6thC by Brendan, founder abbot of Clonfert; probably on the island of Eileach an Naoimh	Ailech Monastery Eileach-an-Naoimh Monastery
Hinba Monastery		Celtic monks founded before 597 by Colum Cille, probably on the island of Jura	possibly Hinba Monastery
Iona Abbey +		Celtic monks founded c.565 by Colum Cille; plundered by the Norse 795 and 802; Benedictine monks abbey founded 1203; dubiously conjectured to have been Tironensian dissolved 1587/8(?); cathedral, request made by the Crown to the Pope 1 April 1498 to establish a see pending the recovery of the see in the Isle of Man from the English, apparently unsuccessful, the monks holding the abbey in commendam from 1499; no evidence of a cathedral chapter being established; now restored and in use as ecumenical Christian community; (HS)		56°20′02″N 6°23′36″W
Iona Nunnery		Augustinian Canonesses founded before 1208, purportedly by Reginald, son of Somerlet; secularised after 1574, granted to Hector McLean of Duart; (HS)	St Mary	56°19′50″N 6°23′36″W
Jura Monastery		possibly Hinba Monastery	Hinba Monastery?
Kerrara Priory		Cistercian monks apparent intended foundation after 1292 never implemented; no evidence of foundation or occupation by monks on the island
Kingarth Monastery		founded 6thC; (HS)	Cinngrad Monastery
Lismore Monastery		founded before 592 by Lugaid or Moluag
Mag Luinge, Isle of Tiree		founded before 597; probably at Soroby; destroyed by fire 673; restored
Oronsay Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular founded before 1353 (1330), accredited to John, Lord of the Isles; dissolved or secularised 1617, land granted to the Bishop of the Isles by James VI 15 February 1616	The Priory Church of Saint Oran, Oronsay	56°01′12″N 6°15′17″W
Saddell Abbey		Cistercian monks daughter of Mellifont, Louth, Ireland; founded before 1207 by Reginald, son of Somerled, Lord of the Isles; dissolved c.1507; confirmed to the Bishop by James VI 1 January 1507		55°31′56″N 5°30′40″W
Sgòr Nam Ban-Naomha Monastery
Tiree Monastery		founded c.564-565 by Comgall, founder abbot of Bangor; soon abandoned due to raids by the Picts		56°30′01″N 6°54′34″W

Ayrshire, East

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Mauchline Priory		Cistercian monks grange or 'cell' of Melrose founded 1165, purportedly by David I	The Priory Church of Saint Cuthbert, Mauchline

Ayrshire, North

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Fintray Priory		supposed Tironensian monks house built c.1386, determined to be imaginary
Kilwinning Abbey		Tironensian monks  from Kelso founded between 1162 and 1189; dissolved 1592	The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Winning, Kilwinning	55°39′12″N 4°41′55″W
Kilwinning Convent		Situated at Stanecastle and mentioned in several charters

Ayrshire, North non-Christian Monasteries

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Holy Island Monastery		Tibetan Buddhist

Ayrshire, South

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Ayr Blackfriars		Dominican Friars founded c.1242 (1230); secularised 1567	The Friary Church of Saint Katherine, Ayr
Ayr Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars, Observant founded 1474 (1472, or between 1488 and 1497), attributed to the citizens ; dissolved or secularised 1567;	St John the Baptist ____________________ Auld Kirk of Ayr	55°27′46″N 4°37′43″W
Crossraguel Abbey		Cluniac monks oratory founded before 1214-16 (1244); raised to abbey status, dependent on Paisley from before 1270; dissolved 1617; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Crossraguel	57°08′55″N 2°05′15″W
Dalmilling Priory		Gilbertine Canons and nuns — double house founded 1219-28; dissolved 1238	Dalmulin Priory	55°27′50″N 4°35′47″W
Fail Monastery		Trinitarians founded before 1335; dissolved 1561	St Mary ____________________ Failford Abbey; Fail Monastery, Tarbolton	55°31′34″N 4°30′09″W
Fail Crutched Friars		supposed Polish Crutched Friars possible confusion with Trinitarian monastery	Pful Friary; Phall Friary; Faill Friary; Fayl in Scotia Friary
Fail Priory		supposed Cluniac monks probable confusion with Trinitarian monastery	Feale Monastery

Dumfries and Galloway

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Canonbie Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular dependent on Jedbugh; founded between before 1165 and 1170; dissolved or secularised 1606		55°04′25″N 2°56′28″W
Dercongal Abbey		Premonstratensian Canons — from Soulseat founded before 1225, founder unknown; dissolved or secularised 1609	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Holywood ____________________ Holywood Abbey	55°06′02″N 3°38′24″W
Dundrennan Abbey		Cistercian monks — from Rievaulx daughter of Rievaulx; founded 1142 by David I, or possibly Fergus of Galloway; dissolved 1560; granted to Edward Maxwell 14 August 1562; secularised 1606; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Dundrennan	55°06′02″N 3°38′24″W
Glenluce Abbey		Cistercian monks — from Melrose daughter of Dundrennan; founded 1191/2, purportedly by Roland of Galloway, Constable of Scotland; dissolved or secularised 1560; granted to the Bishop of Galloway 1619; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Glenluce ____________________ Luce Abbey	54°53′21″N 4°49′53″W
Hoddam Monastery		Celtic monks founded before 612 by Kentigern? (traditionally association), who reputedly built church and located the see of his bishopric here		55°02′29″N 3°18′17″W
Kilconquhar Monastery		purportedly Benedictine monks founded by Fergus (or Ethred), Lord of Galloway — no such location or monastery
Kirkcudbright Greyfriars +		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual founded c.1450 (between 1449 and 1456); dissolved or secularised 1569; conventual church		54°50′08″N 4°03′16″W
Kirkcudbright Monastery		scholars of a religious community apparently serving a foundation here; still in possession of the church 1164
Lincluden Priory		Benedictine nuns founded 1164 (before 1174); dissolved 1389; secular canons college late-14thC; (HS)		55°05′04″N 3°37′11″W
Lochkindeloch Priory		Cistercian monks — supposed foundation; parish church, but no religious house in the parish other than Sweetheart Abbey
St Mary's Priory, St Mary's Isle (Isle of Trahil)		Augustinian Canons Regular — from Holyrood founded c.1138 (before 1173); dissolved or secularised 1608	Prioratus Sanctae Mariae de Trayl ____________________ St Mary's Isle Priory; Trail Priory; Traill Priory	54°49′03″N 4°04′03″W
Soulseat Abbey		Premonstratensian Canons — from Prémontre founded 1161(?) (1152); dissolved or secularised 1630	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, Soulseat ____________________ Saulseat Abbey	54°53′14″N 4°57′45″W
Soulseat Priory		Cistercian monks uncertain foundation; unverified location and identification	Viride Stagnum
Sweetheart Abbey		Cistercian monks — from Dundrennan founded 1275 by Devorgilla, widow of John Balliol, endowment by Devorgilla 10 April 1273; dissolved May 1565; granted to William Lesley 1586; secularised 1624, erected to a temporal lordship for Sir Robert Spottiswoode; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Sweetheart ____________________ New Abbey	54°58′44″N 3°36′59″W
Tongland Abbey		Premonstratensian Canons — from Cockersand, Lancashire daughter of Cockersand; founded 1218; dissolved or secularised 1612		54°51′47″N 4°01′48″W
Whithorn Priory		possible [non-monastic] Christian community late 4thC; possibly monastic by 8thC; Premonstratensian Canons daughter of Soulseat founded c. 1175 or before 1161 by Fergus, Prince of Galloway; dissolved or secularised 1612; cathedral church of Galloway; (HS)		54°44′01″N 4°25′03″W

Dumfries and Galloway non-Christian monasteries

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Samye Ling Monastery *, Langholm		Karma Kagyu school Tibetan Buddhist 1967	Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre

City of Edinburgh

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Edinburgh Blackfriars		Dominican Friars founded 1230; dissolved or secularised 1566/7	The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary	55°56′55″N 3°11′05″W
Edinburgh Greenside Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars founded 1520-5, site granted by the town, with the permission of the king and the bishop of St Andrews; dissolved or secularised before 1563
Edinburgh Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars, Observant founded c.1463; destroyed by Reformers 14 June 1559; dissolved or secularised 1562; Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk built on site 1602-20		55°56′48″N 3°11′32″W
Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh		Augustinian Canons Regular — from St. Andrews founded 1128; dissolved or secularised 1606; partly absorbed into 17thC Holyrood Palace; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Saint Andrew and All Saints, Holyrood	55°57′12″N 3°10′16″W
South Queensferry Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars founded 1440/1; dissolved before 1564/5	Queensferry Friary	55°59′27″N 3°23′54″W

Fife Region

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Balmerino Abbey		Cistercian monks — from Melrose dependent on Melrose; founded c.1227/9; dissolved 1560; secularised 1603; (NTS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and Saint Edward	56°24′36″N 3°02′30″W
Culross Abbey +		Cistercian monks — from Kinloss dependent on Kinloss; founded before 1217/8; dissolved 1560; erected into a temporal lordship for James Colville of Easter Wemyss (charters 1589, 1609); currently partly in use as a parish church; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Saint Andrew and Saint Serf, Culross	56°03′30″N 3°37′31″W
Dunfermline Abbey		Benedictine monks priory founded c.1070; raised to abbey status 1124/1128; dissolved 1593, annexed to the Crown		56°04′11″N 3°27′47″W
Gadvan Preceptory		Cistercian monks cell dependent on Balmerino; founded before 1475; dissolved or secularised before 1578		56°20′57″N 3°09′29″W
Inchcolm Abbey		Augustinian Canons Regular founded 1123	The Abbey Church of Saint Columba, Inchcolm ____________________ St Colm's Abbey, Inch	56°01′48″N 3°18′06″W
Inverkeithing Blackfriars		supposed Dominican Friars some references probably pertain to the Franciscan Friary		56°01′22″N 3°23′51″W
Inverkeithing Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual founded 1268(?) (before 1384), built by Philip de Moubray, Lord of Barnbougle; dissolved or secularised 1559	possibly The Friary Church of Saint Mary, Inverkeithing	56°01′47″N 3°23′54″W
Isle of May Priory		Benedictine monks — from Reading, Berkshire dependent on Reading; Augustinian Canons Regular dependent on St Andrews; refounded late-13th/early-14thC; transferred to Pittenweem late-13th/early-14thC	The Priory Church of Saint Oran and Saint Colman, Isle of May ____________________ May Priory	56°11′08″N 2°33′27″W
Kilrimont Monastery		Culdees traditionally founded by Ungus mac Urguist; collegiate founded 1240s	Cill-rigmonaid Monastery; Cenn-rigmonaid Monastery; Kilrymont monastery	56°20′23″N 2°47′06″W
Lindores Abbey		Tironensian monks — from Kelso founded c.1190 (between c.1190 and 1191) by David, Earl of Huntingdon; dissolved or secularised 1600	The Abbey Church of Our Lady and Saint Andrew	56°21′10″N 3°13′41″W
Pittenweem Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular transferred from Isle of May c.1200		56°12′49″N 2°43′40″W
St Andrew's Cathedral Priory		Celtic monks founded before 747; Culdees founded 9th/10thC cathedral founded 908 Augustinian Canons Regular cathedral priory founded 1144, and endowed by Robert, Bishop of St Andrews; dissolved or secularised 1592, erected into a temporal lordship for the duke, in parliament 1592, 1606; (HS)	The Cathedral and Priory Church of Saint Andrew, Saint Andrews ____________________ Cennrigmonaid	56°20′24″N 2°47′15″W
St Rule's Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular — from Scone founded 1133-1144; (HS)	The Priory Church of Saint Rule, Saint Andrews	56°20′23″N 2°47′11″W
St Andrew's Blackfriars		Dominican Friars purportedly founded 1274 by William Wishart, Bishop of St Andrews; dissolved or secularised 1567	The Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary ____________________ Blackfriars Chapel	56°20′20″N 2°47′53″W
St Monan's Blackfriars +		Dominican Friars founded 1471; secularised c.1567	The Friary Church of Saint Monan, Saint Monan's ____________________ erroneously 'St Ninians'	56°12′12″N 2°46′16″W

City of Glasgow

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Glasgow Blackfriars #		Dominican Friars founded 1246; after the Reformation it was gifted by Mary, Queen of Scots to the University of Glasgow and served as a parish church; rebuilt 1699-1702; demolished when the university re-located in the 1870s	Old College Church	55°51′31″N 4°14′25″W
Glasgow Franciscan Friary			Roman Catholic Church Of Saint Luke; Blessed John Duns Franciscan Friary	55°50′59″N 4°14′47″W
Glasgow Greyfriars #		Fransiscan Friars, Observant founded 1473-9 (1477, 1472), mistakenly attributed to the archbishop; dissolved or secularised 1566/7	Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary	55°51′38″N 4°14′32″W

Highland Region

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Applecross Monastery		Celtic monks founded 673 by Mael-rubai, Abbot of Bangor
Beauly Priory		Valliscaulian monks — from Val des Choux dependent on Val des Choux; founded 1230; dissolved 1510; Cistercian monks founded 1510 on the suppression of the Valliscaulian order; purportedly erected to a temporal lordship for Lord Hay of Sala 1612, (apparently erroneously noted); granted to the Bishop of Ross (charter 20 October 1634; (HS)	The Priory Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist, Beauly	57°29′05″N 4°27′27″W
Dornoch Cell ?		Benedictine monks founded before early-12thC; possible community established from Dunfermline or earlier community already established here
Eigg Monastery		founded before 617 by Donnan
Fearn Abbey		Premonstratensian Canons daughter of Whithorn; founded 1221-2 (or c.1227 at Old Fearn); dissolved 1609	The Abbey Church of Saint Ninian, Fearn	57°46′12″N 3°57′23″W
Fort Augustus Abbey		built as a military fort, Benedictine abbey and school in 20thC, now in private ownership		57°08′41″N 4°40′36″W
North Rona monastery		7thC
Old Fearn Abbey		Premonstratensian Canons founded c.1227

Lanarkshire

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Blantyre Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular cell dependent on Jedburgh founded between 1238 and 1249 by Patrick (II), Earl of Dunbar and his wife Euphemia; dissolved or secularised 1598/9		55°48′39″N 4°05′55″W
Govan Monastery		traditionally founded late-6thC by Constantine — evidence lacking

Lanarkshire, South

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Lesmahagow Priory		Tironensian monks — from Kelso dependent on Kelso; founded 1144, church and lands granted to Kelso by David I and John, Bishop of Glasgow; dissolved 1607	The Priory Church of Saint Malo, Lesmahagow	55°38′16″N 3°53′08″W

Lothian, East

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Dunbar Priory		Trinitarians founded 1240-8 (1218); granted to secular chaplain 8 March 1528/9; revoked; 1 July 1529; dissolved 1529	The Priory Church of the Holy Trinity, Dunbar	56°00′05″N 2°31′05″W
Haddington Blackfriars		Dominican Friars founded 1471; dissolved or secularised 1489 to after 1490		55°56′51″N 2°47′09″W
Haddington Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars founded 1242; destroyed 1356	Lucerna Laudoniae or Lamp of Lothian	55°57′18″N 2°46′24″W
Luffness Friary		Carmelite Friars founded before 1293; dissolved after 1560		56°00′40″N 2°50′53″W
Nunraw Abbey *		Cistercian monks — from Roscrea, Ireland; cell of Haddington; founded 1946	Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw	55°55′19″N 2°39′04″W
North Berwick Priory		Cistercian nuns founded c.1150; dissolved or secularised 1587/8		56°03′20″N 2°43′50″W
Tyninghame Monastery		traditionally founded before 756 by Baldred; destroyed by the Norse 941

Lothian, West

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Abercorn Monastery		Celtic monks probably founded between 635 and 663; dissolved after early-8thC, (purportedly still extant 854)		55°59′46″N 3°28′27″W
Linlithgow Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars founded c.1401; dissolved before 1567/8		55°58′18″N 3°35′55″W
Manuel Priory		Cistercian monks founded 1156 (before 1164) by Malcolm IV; dissolved or secularised after 1599; probably passed into the possession of Alexander, Lord Livingstone	Emanuel Nunnery; Manuel Nunnery	55°58′10″N 3°38′57″W
Torphichen Preceptory +		Knights Hospitaller founded mid-12thC		55°56′05″N 3°39′08″W

Midlothian

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Newbattle Abbey		Cistercian monks — from Melrose daughter of Melrose; founded 1140, regarded as by David I, endowments by David and his son, Earl Henry; dissolved 1560; granted to Mark Ker, son of the Commendator, also Mark Ker) 7 April 1567, confirmed 24 August 1584, after the death of his father; erected into a temporal lordship for Mark Ker (charter 1587)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Newbattle	55°52′49″N 3°04′13″W

Moray

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Elgin Blackfriars		Dominican Friars founded 1233/4 by King Alexander II		57°38′58″N 3°19′21″W
Elgin Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual		57°38′55″N 3°18′37″W
Elgin Greyfriars, Observants		Franciscan Friars, Observant founded before 1494, allegedly by John Innes of Innes; dissolved of secularised c.1559; lands leased to Robert Innes of Invermarky by James VI 20 April 1573; restored; now in use by adjacent convent	Observantine House of The Franciscan Friars	57°38′53″N 3°18′35″W
Kinloss Abbey		Cistercian monks — from Melrose daughter of Melrose; founded 21 May 1150 by David I; dissolved 1560; secularised 1601, erected into a temporal lordship for Edward Bruce, becoming Lord Kinross, (charters 1601, 1608)	The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kinloss	57°38′02″N 3°33′59″W
Pluscarden Abbey *		Valliscaulian monks — from Val des Choux priory 1230; Benedictine monks dependent on Dunfermline; dissolved 1587, united with Urquhart; Benedictine monks priory, now Benedictine abbey	The Abbey Church of Saint Andrew, Pluscarden	57°36′02″N 3°26′15″W
Urquhart Priory #		Benedictine monks — from Dunfermline dependent on Dunfermline; founded 1124, reputedly by David I who made a grant made between 1130 and 1150; Pluscarden united with Urquhart; took formal possession of Pluscarden 8 November 1454; community settled at Pluscarden due to the extent of the buildings there; no remains on site, stone cross from priory incorporated into the wall of current parish church hall	The Priory Church of the Holy Trinity, Urquhart	57°38′53″N 3°11′36″W

Orkney

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Brough of Birsay Monastery		possible Celtic monks monastic settlement 6thC suggested to have connection with the name of St Colum or St Columba; Viking farmstead 9thC; cathedral early-12thC, foundation unknown; see translated to Kirkwall 12thC; church probably in parochial use until 13thC; episcopal residence in use to 14thC;	St Peter's Monastery	59°08′12″N 3°19′49″W
Eynhallow Monastery #		possible site of monastic settlement 12thC; evidently ceased well before 16thC		59°08′29″N 3°07′19″W
Hichaten Priory		Cistercian monks supposed foundation — no such location identified in the Orkneys	Hichaten vel Orcades

Perth & Kinross Region

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Abernethy Priory		Culdees founded c.6thC by Nechtan, King of the Picts; possible cathedral; Augustinian Canons Regular founded 1272 or 1273; dissolved or secularised early 14thC, erroneously attributed to George, Earl of Angus c.1450; secular canons collegiate founded	The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Saint Bridget and Saint Abrinca St Bride	56°20′00″N 3°18′43″W
Coupar Angus Abbey		Cistercian monks — from Melrose founded 1161/64, planned by Malcolm IV on the advice of Waltheof of Melrose; abbot appointed 12 July 1164; dissolved 1560, secularised 1606	The Abbey Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Coupar Angus	56°32′39″N 3°15′59″W
Dalvey Cell		Valliscaulian monks supposed cell dependent on Pluscarden; evidence lacking — considered conjectural
Dron Priory		Cistercian monks supposed foundation purportedly dependent on Coupar Angus — dubious		56°27′26″N 3°07′24″W
Dull Priory		suggested house of Tironensian monks, references apparently erroneous
Dunblane Monastery		early foundation, possible Culdees — unsubstantiated; cathedral founded before 1214-1223		56°11′22″N 3°57′54″W
Dunkeld Monastery		built before 849 by Kenneth mac Alpin		56°33′54″N 3°35′23″W
Elcho Priory		Cistercian nuns founded before 1241, attributed to David Lindsay I; dissolved or secularised 1610	Elcho Nunnery; Orchardnook	56°22′49″N 3°23′31″W
Forfar Abbey		Cistercian monks' — erroneous reference to Coupar Angus
Inchaffray Abbey		community of brethren founded ?; Augustinian Canons Regular priory founded (c.)1200 by Gilbert, Earl of Strathearn, granted to Scone; raised to abbey status 1220 or 1221; dissolved or secularised 1609-69, erected into temporal lordship 31 January 1609, established 15 February 1669	The Abbey Church of Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Mary, Inchaffray	56°23′00″N 3°41′45″W
Loch Tay Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular — from Scone uncertain foundation; island granted to Scone by Alexander I 1122	The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Loch Tay	56°35′02″N 4°00′37″W
Methven Monastery		secular priests founded between 1214 and 1223?
Montrose Blackfriars		Dominican Friars founded 1230, purportedly by Sir Alan Durward; apparently abandoned after being destroyed 14thC	The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary ____________________ Blackfriars Hospital	56°42′48″N 2°28′38″W
Muthill Monastery		Culdees founded between 1178 and 1195; dissolved by 1236
Perth Priory		Carthusian monks founded 1429, proposed by James I, authorised by the Prior of Grande Chartreuse 19 August 1426, consent of the General Chapter, ; dissolved or secularised 1569; possession passed to the Town Council 1602	Vale of Virtue Priory
Rindalgros Monastery ?		Benedictine monks dependent on Reading, Berkshire; founded 1147-53(?), granted to Reading by David I; monastic community located here, though possibly no monastery was built either transferred to Isle of May before 1151 or merged with Isle of May after 1151; held by Isle of May 1231	Rhynd Monastery; Rindelgros Monastery	56°21′52″N 3°22′25″W
St Fillan's Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular — from Inchaffray founded 1317, land granted patronage of church of Killin to Inchafray by Robert I 26 February 1317/8; granted to Campbell of Glenorchy; revenues apparently granted to Archibald Campbell of Glencarradale by the Crown 19 March 1607	The Priory Church of Saint Fillan, St Fillan's ____________________ Strathfillan Priory	56°25′09″N 4°39′42″W
St Serf's Inch Priory, St Serf's Inch, Loch Leven		Culdees founded before 842, traditionally by Brude mac Dergard, King of the Picts – more likely by Brude mac Ferat; Augustinian Canons Regular dependent on St Andrews; founded 1152/3 (c.1150); dissolved or secularised 1580; now within an island nature reserve usually without public access; (HS)	Portmoak Priory; Portmoakso Priory; Loch Leven Priory; St Serf's Priory; St Serf's Island Priory	56°11′15″N 3°21′09″W
Scone Abbey		Augustinian Canons Regular — from Nostell founded c.1120	The Abbey Church of the Holy Trinity, The Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Laurence, Saint Augustine and Saint Michael, Scone	56°25′22″N 3°25′56″W

Renfrewshire

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Inchinnan Monastery		traditionally a monastic settlement
Paisley Abbey +		Cluniac monks — from Wenlock, Shropshire priory founded c.1169 (1163); raised to abbey status 1219 (1245); dissolved 1587; (CS)	The Abbey Church of saints Mary, James, Mirin and Milburga	55°50′42″N 4°25′13″W
Renfrew Priory		Cluniac monks — from Cluny founded c.1163; dissolved between 1169 and 1173		55°52′23″N 4°22′53″W

Scottish Borders

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Coldingham Priory +		monks and nuns double house; founded before 661 and 664 by Ebba, daughter of King Æthelfrith of Northumbria; damaged by fire c.683, and abandoned by most of the community; nuns dependent on Lindisfarne before 854; destroyed in raids by the Danes c.870; Benedictine monks dependent on Durham; shire granted to Durham by King Edgar c.1098; founded before 1139; dependent on Dunfermline 14th-15thC; monks evicted 1532, 1542 and 1544/5; destroyed in warfare by 4 February 1551/2; dissolved 1606; most of remaining buildings destroyed by Cromwell 1648; part of conventual church restored; now in parochial use	The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Saint Ebba and Saint Cuthbert, Coldingham	55°53′11″N 2°09′18″W
Dryburgh Abbey		Premonstratensian Canons — from Alnwick daughter of Alnwick; founded 1150; dissolved or secularised 1606; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Dryburgh	55°34′38″N 2°38′58″W
Fogo Priory		Tironensian monks — from Kelso dependent on Kelso; founded between 1259 and 1297, church of St Nicholas granted to Kelso by Patrick Corbet; dissolution unknown		55°44′08″N 2°21′50″W
Jedburgh Abbey		land granted by Ecgred, Bishop of Lindisfarne c.830; Augustinian Canons Regular — apparently from St-Quentin, Beauvais priory founded c.1138 (1148) by David I with the assistance of John, Bishop of Glasgow; erroneously referred to as Cluniac in one manuscript; raised to abbey status c.1154; dissolved or secularised 1696; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Jedburgh	55°28′36″N 2°33′17″W
Kelso Abbey		Tironensian monks (community founded at Selkirk c.1113); transferred from Selkirk in 1128; dissolved or secularised 1607; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, Kelso	55°35′50″N 2°25′57″W
Melrose Abbey		Cistercian monks — from Rievaulx/Holmcultram founded 1136/7 by David I; dissolved 1598; bestowed on James Stewart, Commendator of Kelso; secularised 1609, erected into a temporal lordship for John Ramsay, Viscount Haddington, becoming Lord Melrose; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, Melrose	55°35′57″N 2°43′05″W
Old Melrose Monastery		possibly from Iona founded between 635 and 651; destroyed by Kenneth mac Alpin 839; under the bishops of Lindisfarne until 854; attempted refoundation by Aldwin of Jarrow; abandoned 1074; church of St Cuthbert founded; dependent on Durham until between 1124 and 1136; exchanged for the church at Berwick by King David I between 1124 and 1136; annexed to Cistercian monastery at Melrose	St Cuthbert's Chapel	55°35′52″N 2°39′20″W
Peebles Friary		Trinitarians church built after 9 May 1261, when cross of purported relics of 'St Nicholas the bishop' was found, motivating Alexander III to build a church; founded before 1296, when the master swore fealty to Edward I; friary apparently founded c.1448 with the approval of the bailies; bailies claim to have expelled friars c.1463, authorised by the Pope 21 April 1463; expulsion apparently not effected; new foundation consented by petition of James III and his queen, 3 February 1473/4; dissolved or secularised 1560/1; lands erected to barony for John Hay of Yester 3 February 1624; church in use until 1784	The Friary Church of the Holy Trinity, Peebles ____________________ The Cross Kirk; Holy Cross	55°39′15″N 3°11′33″W
Roxburgh Priory		Cistercian monks — unfounded assertion; church of St James held by Kelso, the settlement of monks, or of Cistercians, is unsubstantiated
St Bothan's Priory, Abbey St Bathans		Cistercian nuns founded 13thC (during the reign of William the Lion), possibly by a Countess of March; dissolved or secularised 1622	St Bathan's Priory
Selkirk Abbey		Tironensian monks — from Tiron founded c.1113 by Earl David; transferred to Kelso c.1128

Stirling Region

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Cambuskenneth Abbey		Augustinian Canons Regular — Arroasian — from Arroaise founded 1147; (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Cambuskenneth	56°07′24″N 3°55′03″W
Inchmahome Priory, Lake of Menteith		Augustinian Canons Regular founded 1238; (HS)		56°10′35″N 4°17′53″W

West Dunbartonshire

Foundation	Image	Communities & Provenance	Formal Name or Dedication & Alternative Names	OnLine References & Location
Ross Priory, Loch Lomond		doubtful establishment, probable early-19thC invention; country house		56°03′17″N 4°32′51″W

Unidentified supposed foundations

• Ancaria: Cistercian monks, mentioned 1530
• unlocated: Carthusian monks, petition by Archibald, Earl of Douglas, granted by the Pope 5 June 1419 supplication for license to found a house; projected foundation never implemented

Glossary

Orders: Augustinian Augustinian Canons Regular / Austin Canons - Arrouasian / (Arroasian) - Victorine - Holy Sepulchre Austin Friars (Augustinian Friars) Augustinian Recollects Benedictine Bonshommes Bridgettine / Briggittine Carmelites (White Friars) Carthusian Cistercian Cluniac Crutched Friars / (Crouched Friars / Crossed Friars / Fratres Cruciferi / Brethren of the Holy Cross) Culdee Dominican (Black Friars) / Friars Preachers Franciscan (Grey Friars) / Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual (The Order of Friars Minor / Ordo Fratrum Minorum) Franciscan Recollects Franciscan Observants Friars of the Order of Blessed Mary (Friars of St Mary / Fratres Beatae Mariae) Friars of Penitence of Jesus Christ (Friars of the Sack) Gilbertine Grandmontine Knights Hospitaller Knights Templar Minoresses (Poor Clares) Premonstratensian

St. Lazarus Hospitallers Savignac Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Sisters of St John of Jerusalem Tironensian Trappist Trinitarian (Maturines) Valliscaulian General terms: Abbots / Abbesses / Abbey Alien House Anchorites Camera (pl. Cameræ) Canons Canons Regular cell Commandery Double monastery Friars / Friary Friars Eremites / anchorites Hermits Mendicants Monks Nuns Preceptory Priors / Prioresses / Priory Secular canons

References

• Thorold, Henry, Collins Guide to the Ruined Abbeys of England, Wales and Scotland, Collins, 1993
• Robinson, David, The Cistercian Abbeys of Britain, B. T. Batsford with English Heritage, CADW, Historic Scotland, 2002
• Cowan, Ian B. & Easson, David E. (1976) Medieval Religious Houses Scotland. Longman
• Butler, Rev. D., M.A. Scottish Cathedrals and Abbeys, The Guild Library, A&C Black, 1901
• Leicester Addis, M. E., Cathedrals and Abbeys of Presbyterian Scotland, Philadelphia, The Westminster Press, 1901
• Fawcett, R., Scottish Abbeys and Priories, Historic Scotland, 1994
• Scotland Churches Scheme, Churches to Visit in Scotland, 1999, Saint Andrew Press
• Coventry, M. And Miller, J., Churches and Abbeys of Scotland, Thistle Guide, Goblinshead, 2003
• Cruden, S., Scottish Abbeys, An Introduction to the mediæval Abbeys and Priories of Scotland, Her Majesty's Stationary Office, 1960
• Wright, Geoffrey N., (2004) Discovering Abbeys and Priories, Shire Publications Ltd.

See also

• List of abbeys and priories
• Abbeys and priories in England
• Abbeys and priories in Wales
• Abbeys and priories in Northern Ireland
• Abbeys and priories in the Republic of Ireland
• Abbeys and priories in Isle of Man
• Dissolution of the Monasteries
• Castles in Scotland
• List of museums in Scotland
• Historic houses in Scotland