List of monastic houses in Scotland facts for kids

This article lists the different types of monastic houses in Scotland. These are places where groups of religious people, like monks, nuns, or friars, lived and prayed together. They include large abbeys and smaller priories or friaries.

You'll also find some smaller places like cells (small communities) and special monastic granges (farmhouses with monks). However, most monastic hospitals aren't included unless they also served as an abbey, priory, friary, or preceptory (a type of religious military house).

The locations mentioned here come from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Scotland (RCAHMS) and Ordnance Survey maps.

Understanding This List

How the List is Organized

This list is set up alphabetically by the different regions in Scotland. Within each region, the monastic houses are also listed in alphabetical order.

Shetlands

Orkney

Highland

Moray

↓Edinburgh

↓West Lothian

←Midlothian

←East Lothian

Fife

Aberdeenshire

←Aberdeen

Stirling

Argyll
&
Bute

Perth
&
Kinross

Angus

Dumfries
&
Galloway

Eilean Siar

Scottish
Borders

South
Lanarkshire

West Dunbartonshire→

Renfrewshire→

East Ayrshire→

North Ayrshire→

South
Ayrshire

• Communities/provenance: This tells you what kind of religious group lived there (like monks or nuns), when the place was started, what happened to it after the monasteries were closed down, and what the site looks like today.
• Formal name or dedication: This is the official name of the place or the saint it was named after.
• Alternative names: Some places had different names over time, or their names were spelled differently. These are included to help you find them.

What the Symbols Mean

If a name is in italics, it might mean it's a mistake, a duplicate entry, or a place that was planned but never built.

Monastic Houses by Region

Aberdeen

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Aberdeen Blackfriars		Dominican Friars (a group of monks) Started between 1230 and 1249, possibly by King Alexander II. Destroyed by reformers in 1560. The land was given to George, Earl Marischal, in 1587. Today, Robert Gordon's College stands on this site.	St John the Baptist
Aberdeen Greyfriars		Observant Franciscan Friars (another group of monks) Started in 1469. The friars gave their property to the Town Council in 1559. King James VI gave it to the Town Council in 1567 to be a hospital. The church was used by the local community until 1903.		57°08′58″N 2°05′48″W / 57.1494178°N 2.0966506°W / 57.1494178; -2.0966506 (Aberdeen Greyfriars)
Aberdeen Monastery		Benedictine monks (a very old group of monks) Thought to have been started before 1231. It's possible no monastery was actually built here.
Aberdeen Nunnery		Supposedly a place for nuns (religious women). However, there is no real proof that such a place existed.	St Catherine
Aberdeen Preceptory	This was property of the Knights Templars, but the idea of it being a "convent and church" is not true.
Aberdeen Red Friars		Trinitarians (a group of friars) Started before 1274 (possibly 1181). King William the Lion is said to have given his royal home to two Red Friars in 1211. Closed in 1561.	The Church of the Holy Trinity, Aberdeen	57°08′44″N 2°05′47″W / 57.1454601°N 2.096318°W / 57.1454601; -2.096318 (Aberdeen Red Friars)
Aberdeen Whitefriars	Aberdeen Whitefriars	Carmelite Friars (another group of friars) Started around 1273. Closed between 1560 and 1583. King James VI gave the land to the Town Council in 1583.		57°08′44″N 2°05′57″W / 57.1455183°N 2.0991075°W / 57.1455183; -2.0991075 (Aberdeen Whitefriars)

Aberdeenshire

Foundation	Image	Communities and provenance	Formal name or dedication and alternative names	References and location
Aberdour Monastery		Celtic monks (early Christian monks in Scotland) Stories say it was started by Colum Cille and Drostan mac Coscrach. However, this is likely not true.
Aberdour Priory		Franciscan nuns (religious women) Started in 1548 by James, Earl of Morton. Closed in 1560.	Aberdene Priory (this name is wrong)
Aboyne Preceptory		Knights Templar (a military religious order) A church was given to them. This is thought to be a supposed house, meaning it might not have been a full monastic house.
Banff Greyfriars		Supposedly Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual (a group of monks). This might be a mix-up with another Carmelite house.	St John
Banff Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars Started between 1321 and 1324 by King Robert I. Burned down in 1559. Closed or taken over by the government in 1574. King James VI gave it to King's College, Aberdeen in 1574.	Priory of Bethlem of ye ordour of Carmelits beside Banff	57°39′15″N 2°32′10″W / 57.6541202°N 2.536212°W / 57.6541202; -2.536212 (Banff Whitefriars)
Buchan Priory		A grant was made to canons (religious priests) in Buchan in 1221. However, there's no known monastic house for canons in Buchan, Aberdeenshire. This might be a mistake or refer to a place outside Scotland.
Clova Monastery		Celtic monks Part of Mortlach. Started before 1157. Confirmed by Pope Adrian IV.	Clovett Monastery; St Luke's Chapel	57°16′43″N 2°54′15″W / 57.2785491°N 2.9041648°W / 57.2785491; -2.9041648 (Clova Monastery)
Deer Abbey	Deer Abbey	Celtic monks Stories say it was started in the 6th century by Colum Cille, but this is not certain. Cistercian monks (a group of monks) Started between 1214 and 1219. Closed in 1560. The land became a lordship for Robert Keith. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Deer	57°31′24″N 2°3′14.5″W / 57.52333°N 2.054028°W / 57.52333; -2.054028 (Deer Abbey)
Drumtochty Whitefriars	Land was given to the Carmelite Friars of Aberdeen in 1403. However, no actual monastery was built here.
Dunet Red Friars		Supposedly Trinitarians Said to have been started in 1297. This is likely a made-up house.	Dumeni; Dunetum; Dumenum
Ecclesgreig Monastery		Celtic monks The church of Ecclesgyrg was given to St Andrews between 1189 and 1195.
Forvie Preceptory		Supposedly Knights Templar property. King's College was described as a former Templars' house.
Fyvie Priory		Tironensian monks (a group of monks) Part of Arbroath. Started in or before 1285. Joined with Arbroath Abbey in 1459. Its closing date is unknown, but it might have lasted until the Reformation.	The Priory Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary and All Saints, Fyvie	57°25′47″N 2°23′35″W / 57.4296817°N 2.3931742°W / 57.4296817; -2.3931742 (Fyvie Priory)
Kennethmont Cell		Supposedly a small community of monks that burned down during the Reformation. It was a parish church, and there's no proof it was a monastery.
Monymusk Priory		Culdees (early Scottish religious group) Started in 1138. Refounded around 1245 as Augustinian Canons Regular (a group of religious priests). Closed in 1617.	The Priory Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, Monymusk ____________________ erroneously Monymaill in Fyfe	57°13′38″N 2°31′21″W / 57.227149°N 2.5224674°W / 57.227149; -2.5224674 (Monymusk Priory)
Mortlach Monastery		This was an early site for the bishopric (area looked after by a bishop) of Aberdeen.
Tullich Preceptory		Knights Templar It was a parish church owned by the Templars, not a monastic house.
Turriff Monastery		Celtic monks Started before 1131. Closed after around 1150.	St Congan's Church	57°32′16″N 2°27′56″W / 57.5377583°N 2.465567°W / 57.5377583; -2.465567 (Turriff Monastery)

Angus

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Arbroath Abbey	Arbroath Abbey	Tironensian monks from Kelso Abbey. Started in 1176 (or 1178) by William the Lion. The church was officially named in 1233. Damaged by lightning in 1380. Closed in 1606.	The Abbey Church of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Arbroath	56°33′45″N 2°34′56″W / 56.56250°N 2.58222°W / 56.56250; -2.58222 (Arbroath Abbey)
Barry Red Friars		Supposedly Trinitarians Said to have been started in 1212 by William the Lion and built by Alexander II. This is a fictional house.	domus Barensis
Brechin Monastery	Brechin Cathedral and Round Tower	Culdees Probably started before 975. The site is now home to Brechin Cathedral, which is a Church of Scotland congregation.		56°43′51″N 2°39′41″W / 56.730732°N 2.6615077°W / 56.730732; -2.6615077 (Brechin Monastery – now cathedral)
Brechin Red Friars		Trinitarians Said to have been started in 1256 or around 1258. However, there's no strong proof for this.
Brechin Whitefriars?		Supposedly Carmelite Friars Said to have been started in 1376. This foundation is not proven.
Dundee Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started around 1521. Attacked by a mob in 1543. Probably destroyed in 1548 when the English burned the town.	dedication unknown	56°27′39″N 2°58′25″W / 56.4608611°N 2.9737222°W / 56.4608611; -2.9737222 (Dundee Blackfriars)
Dundee Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual Started before 1289. Built before 1296. Closed around 1560.		56°27′40″N 2°58′22″W / 56.4610849°N 2.9727888°W / 56.4610849; -2.9727888 (Dundee Greyfriars)
Dundee Priory		Franciscan nuns Started in 1501 or 1502. Closed in 1560, and the local leaders of Dundee took possession in 1567.
Dundee Red Friars		Supposedly Trinitarians Said to have been started in 1283. This was probably a hospital, and the idea of it being a monastic house is likely wrong.
Kettins Red Friars	Supposedly Trinitarians This was a parish church, not a Trinitarian house.		Katnes; Ketnes
Monifieth Monastery		Culdees Started in the 12th century. Closed by around 1220.		56°28′50″N 2°49′16″W / 56.4804939°N 2.8211716°W / 56.4804939; -2.8211716 (Monifieth Monastery)
Restenneth Priory	Restenneth Priory	Possibly an early foundation built around 710. Augustinian Canons Regular Started between 1161 and 1162. Closed in 1606.	St Peter ____________________ Restennet Priory; Rostin Priory; Rostinoth Priory; Roslin Priory (this name is wrong)	56°39′12″N 2°50′46″W / 56.6532778°N 2.846092°W / 56.6532778; -2.846092 (Restenneth Priory)

The following location in Angus has no monastic connection:

• Rossie Priory: This is a large house built in 1807, not a monastery.

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Argyll & Bute

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Artchain Monastery, Tiree		Celtic monks Thought to have been started in the 6th century.
Ardchattan Priory	Ardchattan Priory	Celtic monks Started by Findchan. Later, Valliscaulian monks (a group of monks) from Val des Choux started a new community in 1230 or 1231. Part of the church was used by the local community until 1722. Today, a Victorian house stands on much of the site. (HS)	The Priory Church of Saint John the Baptist, Ardchattan	56°27′47″N 5°17′38″W / 56.4630269°N 5.2938706°W / 56.4630269; -5.2938706 (Ardchattan Priory)
Bledach Monastery, Tiree		Celtic monks Started before 577 by Brendan.
Cara Red Friars		Supposedly Trinitarians Said to be a small community. It was only a chapel, not a Trinitarian monastery.	St Fionnlugh's Chapel	55°38′06″N 5°44′58″W / 55.6350576°N 5.7495447°W / 55.6350576; -5.7495447 (Cara Red Friars)
Cella Diuni, Loch Awe		Celtic monks Possibly started by Diun.	St Columba's Church; Kilneuair	56°10′44″N 5°24′09″W / 56.1788498°N 5.4024429°W / 56.1788498; -5.4024429 (Cella Diuni)
Colonsay Abbey		Supposedly Augustinian Canons Regular Said to be an abbey, but there's no proof of a monastic house here.
Garvellach Islands Monastery		Stories say it was started in the late 6th century by Brendan. Probably located on the island of Eileach an Naoimh.	Ailech Monastery Eileach-an-Naoimh Monastery
Hinba Monastery		Celtic monks Started before 597 by Colum Cille, probably on the island of Jura.	possibly Jura Monastery (see below)
Inchkenneth Monastery ?		Supposedly a monastery, but the island was owned by Iona Nunnery. Only a parish church is proven to have been here.
Inchmarnock Monastery		Supposedly a small community of monks. It was only a parish church, and there's no proof of a monastery.	Inchmernock
Inishail Priory		Supposedly Cistercian nuns The remains of a building were thought to be a nunnery. It was actually a parish church. This supposed priory is not real.
Iona Abbey +	Iona Abbey	Celtic monks Started around 565 by Colum Cille. Attacked by Vikings in 795 and 802. Benedictine monks An abbey was started in 1203. Closed around 1587 or 1588. Today, it is restored and used as a Christian community. (HS)		56°20′02″N 6°23′36″W / 56.333967°N 6.393249°W / 56.333967; -6.393249 (Iona Abbey)
Iona Priory	Iona Nunnery	Augustinian Canonesses (religious women) Started before 1208, possibly by Ragnall mac Somairle. Closed after 1574. (HS)	St Mary ____________________ Iona Nunnery	56°19′50″N 6°23′36″W / 56.3305232°N 6.3932168°W / 56.3305232; -6.3932168 (Iona Priory)
Jura Monastery		Possibly the same as Hinba Monastery.	Hinba Monastery? (see above)
Kerrara Priory		Supposedly Cistercian monks A monastery was planned after 1292 but never built. There's no proof of monks living on the island.
Kingarth Monastery		Celtic monks Started in the 6th century, supposedly by St Blane. It was also the seat of a bishop. (HS)	Cinngrad Monastery	55°44′13″N 5°02′10″W / 55.7368348°N 5.0360084°W / 55.7368348; -5.0360084 (Kingarth Monastery)
Lismore Monastery		Started before 592 by Lugaid or Moluag.
Mag Luinge, Tiree		Started before 597, probably at Soroby. Destroyed by fire in 673 but later rebuilt.
Oronsay Priory	Oronsay Priory	Augustinian Canons Regular Started before 1353 (or 1330). Closed or taken over by the government in 1617. King James VI gave the land to the Bishop of the Isles in 1616.	The Priory Church of Saint Oran, Oronsay	56°01′12″N 6°15′17″W / 56.019902°N 6.25467°W / 56.019902; -6.25467 (Oronsay Priory)
Rothesay Abbey		A ruined church sometimes called St Mary's Abbey. It was a medieval parish church, not a monastery.	'St Mary'
Saddell Abbey	Saddell Abbey	Cistercian monks from Mellifont in Ireland. Started before 1207 by Reginald, son of Somerled. Closed around 1507. King James VI confirmed it to the Bishop in 1507.		55°31′56″N 5°30′40″W / 55.532163°N 5.5111939°W / 55.532163; -5.5111939 (Saddell Abbey)
Sgòr Nam Ban-Naomha Monastery
Texa Cell		Supposedly a small community of monks There is evidence of a church, but the idea of it being a monastic cell is not true.	Helentexa
Tiree Monastery		Started around 564-565 by Comgall. Soon abandoned because of attacks by the Picts.		56°30′01″N 6°54′34″W / 56.5002062°N 6.9093651°W / 56.5002062; -6.9093651 (Tiree Monastery)

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Ayrshire

East Ayrshire

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North Ayrshire

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Fintray Priory		Supposedly a house of Tironensian monks Said to be built around 1386, but it's now known to be imaginary.
Holy Island		Supposedly a monastery started by Ranald, King of the Isles and Argyll. The island was owned by Iona. There's no proof of a monastery here.
Irvine Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars Probably started before 1293. Closed or taken over by the government in 1572. King James VI gave it to the Royal School of Irvine in 1572.		55°36′46″N 4°40′25″W / 55.612693°N 4.6736814°W / 55.612693; -4.6736814 (Irvine Whitefriars)
Kilwinning Abbey	Kilwinning Abbey	Tironensian monks from Kelso. Started between 1162 and 1189. Closed in 1592.	The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Winning, Kilwinning	55°39′12″N 4°41′55″W / 55.6534215°N 4.6986508°W / 55.6534215; -4.6986508 (Kilwinning Abbey)
Kilwinning Convent		Located at Stanecastle and mentioned in old documents.
Southannan Priory		Franciscan nuns Said to have been destroyed at the Reformation. This is a supposed foundation with no real proof. Only a chapel and a graveyard were mentioned at the site.

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Ayrshire, North Non-Christian Monasteries

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South Ayrshire

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Ayr Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started before 1242 (or 1230) by King Alexander II. Closed in 1567, and the land was given to the Burgh of Ayr. Torn down after the Reformation.	The Friary Church of Saint Katherine, Ayr
Ayr Greyfriars		Observant Franciscan Friars Started in 1474 (or between 1488 and 1497). Closed in 1567.	St John the Baptist ____________________ Auld Kirk of Ayr	55°27′46″N 4°37′43″W / 55.4627865°N 4.6287096°W / 55.4627865; -4.6287096 (Ayr Greyfriars)
Crossraguel Abbey	Crossraguel Abbey	Cluniac monks (a group of monks) A small chapel was started before 1214-16. Became an abbey before 1270. Closed in 1617. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Crossraguel	57°08′55″N 4°43′16″W / 57.148603°N 4.720992°W / 57.148603; -4.720992 (Crossraguel Abbey)
Dalmilling Priory		Gilbertine Canons and nuns (a double community of religious men and women) Started between 1219 and 1228. Closed in 1238.	Dalmulin Priory	55°20′20″N 4°35′47″W / 55.338825°N 4.5964158°W / 55.338825; -4.5964158 (Dalmilling Priory)
Fail Monastery	Fail Monastery, in 1860	Trinitarians Started before 1335. Closed in 1561.	St Mary ____________________ Failford Abbey; Fail Monastery, Tarbolton	55°31′34″N 4°30′09″W / 55.5260056°N 4.5025063°W / 55.5260056; -4.5025063 (Fail Monastery)
Fail Crutched Friars		Supposedly Crutched Friars (a group of friars). This might be a mix-up with the Trinitarian monastery.	Pful Friary; Phall Friary; Faill Friary; Fayl in Scotia Friary
Fail Priory		Supposedly Cluniac monks This is probably a mix-up with the Trinitarian monastery.	Feale Monastery
Kar Monastery		Order of Vaudey (a group of monks) No records of monks living here. Land was given to Melrose in 1223. Sometimes said to be in Galloway.
Ladykirk Preceptory		Supposedly Knights Templar It was a secular chapel (not monastic) started around 1446. The references to it being a preceptory are misleading.	Our Lady Kirk of Kyle
Lochfeal Red Friars	Supposedly Trinitarians No such house existed.

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Dumfries and Galloway

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Canonbie Priory	Canonbie Church	Augustinian Canons Regular Part of Jedburgh. Started between 1165 and 1170. Closed in 1606.		55°04′25″N 2°56′28″W / 55.0736777°N 2.9410636°W / 55.0736777; -2.9410636 (Canonbie Priory)
Dercongal Abbey	Dercongal Abbeys Sketch	Premonstratensian Canons (a group of religious priests) from Soulseat. Started before 1225. Closed in 1609.	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Holywood ____________________ Holywood Abbey	55°06′02″N 3°38′24″W / 55.1004623°N 3.639999°W / 55.1004623; -3.639999 (Dercongal Abbey)
Dumfries Blackfriars		Supposedly Dominican Friars This is probably a mistake for the Greyfriars house.		55°04′03″N 3°36′51″W / 55.0675803°N 3.6140836°W / 55.0675803; -3.6140836 (Dumfries Blackfriars)
Dumfries Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual Started before 1266. Closed in 1569. The Town Council took possession by 1570.	St Mary
Dundrennan Abbey	Dundrennan Abbey	Cistercian monks from Rievaulx. Started in 1142 by King David I or Fergus of Galloway. Closed in 1560. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Dundrennan	54°48′24″N 3°56′52″W / 54.806667°N 3.947778°W / 54.806667; -3.947778 (Dundrennan Abbey)
Glenluce Abbey	Glenluce Abbey	Cistercian monks from Melrose. Started in 1191 or 1192. Closed in 1560. Given to the Bishop of Galloway in 1619. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Glenluce ____________________ Luce Abbey	54°53′21″N 4°49′53″W / 54.88917°N 4.83139°W / 54.88917; -4.83139 (Glenluce Abbey)
Hoddam Monastery		Celtic monks Started before 612, possibly by Kentigern. It was said to be the seat of his bishopric.		55°02′29″N 3°18′17″W / 55.0413151°N 3.3047605°W / 55.0413151; -3.3047605 (Hoddam Monastery)
Kar Monastery	This is listed as being in Galloway, but it's probably in South Ayrshire (see above).
Kilconquhar Monastery	Supposedly Benedictine monks No such place or monastery exists.
Kirkcudbright Blackfriars		Dominican Friars This is probably a mistake for the Greyfriars house.
Kirkcudbright Greyfriars +		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual Started around 1450 (or between 1449 and 1456) by King James II. Closed in 1569. The church was used by the local community from 1570.		54°50′08″N 4°03′16″W / 54.835636°N 4.0544271°W / 54.835636; -4.0544271 (Kirkcudbright Greyfriars)
Kirkcudbright Monastery		A group of religious scholars who served a church here. They still owned the church in 1164.
Lincluden Priory	Lincluden Collegiate Church	Benedictine nuns (religious women) Started in 1164 (or before 1174). Closed in 1389. Later became a college for secular canons (religious priests not living under a monastic rule) in the late 14th century. (HS)		55°05′04″N 3°37′11″W / 55.0845822°N 3.6197805°W / 55.0845822; -3.6197805 (Lincluden Priory)
Lochkindeloch Priory		Cistercian monks This is a supposed foundation. It was a parish church, but no religious house was in the parish other than Sweetheart Abbey.
St Evoca Priory		Cistercian nuns Started before 1423. Its closing date is unknown.	St Evoca the Virgin
St Mary's Priory, St Mary's Isle (Isle of Trahil)		Augustinian Canons Regular from Holyrood. Started around 1138 (or before 1173). Closed in 1608.	Prioratus Sanctae Mariae de Trayl ____________________ St Mary's Isle Priory; Trail Priory; Traill Priory	54°49′03″N 4°04′03″W / 54.8175028°N 4.067452°W / 54.8175028; -4.067452 (St Marys Isle Priory (Trahill Priory))
Soulseat Abbey		Premonstratensian Canons from Prémontre. Started in 1161 (or 1152). Closed in 1630.	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, Soulseat ________________ Saulseat Abbey	54°53′14″N 4°57′45″W / 54.8871452°N 4.9625319°W / 54.8871452; -4.9625319 (Soulseat Abbey)
Soulseat Priory		Cistercian monks This foundation is uncertain, and its location is not confirmed.	Viride Stagnum
Sweetheart Abbey	Sweetheart Abbey	Cistercian monks from Dundrennan. Started in 1275 by Devorgilla. Closed in 1565. The land became a lordship in 1624. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Sweetheart ____________________ New Abbey	54°58′44″N 3°36′59″W / 54.97889°N 3.61639°W / 54.97889; -3.61639 (Sweetheart Abbey)
Tongland Abbey	Tongland Old Parish Church	Premonstratensian Canons from Cockersand in Lancashire. Started in 1218. Closed in 1612.		54°51′47″N 4°01′48″W / 54.8630151°N 4.0300781°W / 54.8630151; -4.0300781 (Tongland Abbey)
Whithorn Priory	Whithorn Priory	Possibly an early Christian community in the late 4th century. Possibly a monastery by the 8th century. Premonstratensian Canons Started around 1175 or before 1161. Closed in 1612. It was also the cathedral church of Galloway. (HS)		54°44′01″N 4°25′03″W / 54.7334919°N 4.4174695°W / 54.7334919; -4.4174695 (Whithorn Priory)
Wigtown Blackfriars		Dominican Blackfriars Started in 1267 or before 1287. Closed between 1560 and 1570. Probably given to the Burgh of Wigtown.	The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary	54°52′01″N 4°26′31″W / 54.867°N 4.442°W / 54.867; -4.442 (Wigtown Blackfriars)

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Dumfries and Galloway Non-Christian Monasteries

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Dunbartonshire

West Dunbartonshire

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City of Edinburgh

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Edinburgh Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started in 1230 by King Alexander II. Closed between 1566 and 1567. The land was given to the magistrates and Edinburgh Town Council. The area is now part of the University of Edinburgh.	The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary	55°56′55″N 3°11′05″W / 55.9486231°N 3.1847692°W / 55.9486231; -3.1847692 (Edinburgh Blackfriars)
Edinburgh Greenside Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars Started between 1520 and 1525. Closed before 1563.		55°57′26″N 3°10′58″W / 55.9572621°N 3.182846°W / 55.9572621; -3.182846 (Edinburgh Greenside Whitefriars)
Edinburgh Greyfriars	Greyfriars Kirk	Observant Franciscan Friars Started around 1463. Destroyed by reformers in 1559. Closed in 1562. Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk was built on the site between 1602 and 1620.		55°56′48″N 3°11′32″W / 55.9466°N 3.1922°W / 55.9466; -3.1922 (Edinburgh Greyfriars)
Edinburgh Preceptory		This was property, said to be a preceptory.
Edinburgh Sciennes Priory		Dominican nuns Started in 1517. Closed in 1569.	St Katherine of Senis	55°56′14″N 3°11′09″W / 55.9373286°N 3.1857536°W / 55.9373286; -3.1857536 (Edinburgh Sciennes Priory)
Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh	Holyrood Abbey	Augustinian Canons Regular from St Andrews. Started in 1128 by King David I. Attacked by the English in 1322 and burned in 1385. Closed in 1606. Part of it was used as a parish church until 1686. It is now partly absorbed into Holyrood Palace. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Saint Andrew and All Saints, Holyrood	55°57′12″N 3°10′16″W / 55.9532246°N 3.1711864°W / 55.9532246; -3.1711864 (Holyrood Abbey)
South Queensferry Whitefriars	St. Mary's Church, Queensferry	Carmelite Friars Started in 1440 or 1441. Closed before 1564 or 1565. The land was leased to the Town Council for a church and school. The current church was built on the site in 1635.	Queensferry Friary	55°59′27″N 3°23′54″W / 55.9908866°N 3.3982301°W / 55.9908866; -3.3982301 (South Queensferry Whitefriars)
Sciennes Priory		Franciscan nuns There are unproven stories about this being a hospital.

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Eilean Siar

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Fife

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Balmerino Abbey	Balmerino Abbey	Cistercian monks from Melrose. Started around 1227 or 1229. Closed in 1560. (NTS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and Saint Edward	56°24′36″N 3°02′30″W / 56.4099722°N 3.0417752°W / 56.4099722; -3.0417752 (Balmerino Abbey)
Carnbee Preceptory		Knights Templar Its foundation is unknown. Closed around 1309.
Crail Blackfriars		Supposedly Dominican Friars There's no strong proof that this monastery was ever built.
Crail Priory		Supposedly nuns of an unknown order. This is a false story.
Culross Abbey +	Culross Abbey	Cistercian monks from Kinloss. Started before 1217 or 1218. Closed in 1560. Part of it is still used as a parish church today. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Saint Andrew and Saint Serf, Culross	56°03′30″N 3°37′31″W / 56.0583587°N 3.6253274°W / 56.0583587; -3.6253274 (Culross Abbey)
Cupar Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started in 1348. The Pope gave permission to build a church and chapel. The friars moved to St Andrews in 1519. King James VI gave the land to the Burgh of Cupar in 1572.	St Katherine	56°19′11″N 3°00′36″W / 56.3197129°N 3.0101375°W / 56.3197129; -3.0101375 (Cupar Blackfriars)
Cupar Red Friars	Supposedly Trinitarians This is a made-up house.
Dunfermline Abbey	Dunfermline Abbey	Benedictine monks A priory was started around 1070. Became an abbey between 1124 and 1128. Closed in 1593 and became property of the Crown.		56°04′11″N 3°27′47″W / 56.0697958°N 3.4631395°W / 56.0697958; -3.4631395 (Dunfermline Abbey)
Dysart Blackfriars		Supposedly Dominican Friars There's no strong proof that this monastery was ever built. A ruined chapel on the site was later used as a forge.	St Dennis (chapel); St Cuthbert (church)	56°07′29″N 3°07′14″W / 56.124671°N 3.1206295°W / 56.124671; -3.1206295 (Dysart Blackfriars (poss.)) possible
Gadvan Preceptory		Cistercian monks A small community that was part of Balmerino. Started before 1475. Closed before 1578.		56°20′57″N 3°09′29″W / 56.3492788°N 3.1581509°W / 56.3492788; -3.1581509 (Gadvan Preceptory)
Inchcolm Abbey	Inchcolm Abbey	Augustinian Canons Regular Started in 1123.	The Abbey Church of Saint Columba, Inchcolm ____________________ St Colm's Abbey, Inch	56°01′48″N 3°18′06″W / 56.0299716°N 3.3017725°W / 56.0299716; -3.3017725 (Inchcolm Abbey)
Inchcolm Hermitage		Supposedly a hermit lived on the island before the Augustinian monastery was started.
Inverbervie Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars Started before 1443. Closed before 1570. The land was given to a hospital in Montrose in 1571.	Bervie Whitefriars
Inverkeithing Blackfriars		Supposedly Dominican Friars Some mentions of this might actually be about the Franciscan friary.		56°01′22″N 3°23′51″W / 56.0228222°N 3.3974791°W / 56.0228222; -3.3974791 (Inverkeithing Blackfriars)
Inverkeithing Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual Started around 1268 (or before 1384). Closed in 1559.	possibly The Friary Church of Saint Mary, Inverkeithing	56°01′47″N 3°23′54″W / 56.0297648°N 3.3983588°W / 56.0297648; -3.3983588 (Inverkeithing Greyfriars)
Isle of May Monastery		A guessed-at establishment of Culdees or monks.
Isle of May Priory	Saint Adrian's Priory, Isle of May	Benedictine monks from Reading in Berkshire. Later became Augustinian Canons Regular and part of St Andrews. Moved to Pittenweem in the late 13th or early 14th century.	The Priory Church of Saint Oran and Saint Colman, Isle of May ____________________ May Priory	56°11′08″N 2°33′27″W / 56.1856289°N 2.5574166°W / 56.1856289; -2.5574166 (Isle of May Priory)
Kilconquhar Nunnery	Supposedly Benedictine nuns. It was actually a parish church owned by North Berwick Nunnery.
Kilrimont Monastery	St Mary's	Culdees Stories say it was started by Ungus mac Urguist. Became a college (a group of priests living together) in the 1240s.	Cill-rigmonaid Monastery; Cenn-rigmonaid Monastery; Kilrymont monastery	56°20′23″N 2°47′06″W / 56.3398°N 2.7851°W / 56.3398; -2.7851 (Kilrimont Monastery)
Kinghorn Blackfriars		Supposedly Dominican Blackfriars This is very doubtful.		56°04′12″N 3°10′27″W / 56.070135°N 3.174275°W / 56.070135; -3.174275 (Kinghorn Blackfriars (dubious))
Lindores Abbey	Lindores Abbey	Tironensian monks from Kelso. Started around 1190 by David, Earl of Huntingdon. Closed in 1600.	The Abbey Church of Our Lady and Saint Andrew	56°21′10″N 3°13′41″W / 56.35274°N 3.22816°W / 56.35274; -3.22816 (Lindores Abbey)
Maryculter Preceptory		Knights Templar Started between 1221 and 1236. Closed around 1309. Then became Knights Hospitaller (another military religious order) around 1309. Closed around 1513.	Culter Preceptory
Pittenweem Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular Moved here from Isle of May around 1200.		56°12′49″N 2°43′40″W / 56.2136016°N 2.7277637°W / 56.2136016; -2.7277637 (Pittenweem Priory)
St Andrew's Blackfriars	Blackfriars Chapel (St Andrews)	Dominican Friars Supposedly started in 1274. Destroyed by fire in 1547 and by reformers in 1599. Closed in 1567, and the land was given to the town of St Andrews.	The Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary ____________________ Blackfriars Chapel	56°20′20″N 2°47′53″W / 56.3388972°N 2.7979249°W / 56.3388972; -2.7979249 (St Andrew's Blackfriars)
St Andrew's Cathedral Priory	St. Andrew's Cathedral	Celtic monks Started before 747. Culdees Started in the 9th or 10th century. Became a cathedral. Augustinian Canons Regular A cathedral priory was started in 1144. Closed in 1592. (HS)	The Cathedral and Priory Church of Saint Andrew, Saint Andrews ____________________ Cennrigmonaid	56°20′24″N 2°47′15″W / 56.340033°N 2.7875233°W / 56.340033; -2.7875233 (St Andrew's Cathedral)
St Andrew's Greyfriars		Observant Franciscan Friars Started between 1463 and 1466. Burned in 1547. Closed between 1559 and 1567. Destroyed by reformers in 1559. Given to the Burgh of St Andrews in 1567.
St Andrew's Red Friars	Supposedly Trinitarians This is a made-up house.
St Andrew's Whitefriars		Supposedly Carmelite Friars Started in 1370. This foundation is uncertain.
St Ninian's Blackfriars	Supposedly Dominican Blackfriars This is a mistake for St Monan's.
St Monan's Blackfriars +	St Monans Auld Kirk	A church started as a chapel in 1370 by King David II. Dominican Friars Refounded in 1471 by King James III. Closed around 1567.	The Friary Church of Saint Monan, Saint Monan's ____________________ erroneously 'St Ninians'	56°12′12″N 2°46′16″W / 56.2032129°N 2.7710786°W / 56.2032129; -2.7710786 (St Monan's Blackfriars)
St Rule's Priory	St Rules Tower	Augustinian Canons Regular from Scone. Started between 1133 and 1144. (HS)	The Priory Church of Saint Rule, Saint Andrews	56°20′23″N 2°47′11″W / 56.3396524°N 2.7864718°W / 56.3396524; -2.7864718 (St Rule's Priory)

The following locations in the Fife Region have no monastic connection:

• Crawford Priory: This is a large house built in 1813, not a monastery.
• Inchrye Abbey: This is a large house built in the 19th century, not a monastery.

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City of Glasgow

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Highland

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Applecross Monastery		Celtic monks Started in 673.	St Maelrubha's Monastery	57°26′42″N 5°48′44″W / 57.4450061°N 5.8121447°W / 57.4450061; -5.8121447 (Applecross Monastery (St Maelrubha))
Beauly Priory	Beauly Priory	Valliscaulian monks from Val des Choux. Started in 1230. Closed in 1510. Then became Cistercian monks in 1510. Given to the Bishop of Ross in 1634. (HS)	The Priory Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist, Beauly	57°29′05″N 4°27′27″W / 57.4846827°N 4.4575524°W / 57.4846827; -4.4575524 (Beauly Priory)
Cromarty Red Friars		Supposedly Trinitarians There's no proof of a Trinitarian monastery here.	Crenach ?
Dornoch Cell ?		Benedictine monks Started before the early 12th century. Possibly a community from Dunfermline or an older one already here.
Dornoch Red Friars		Supposedly Trinitarians Said to be started in 1271. This is a supposed house with no proof, likely made up.
Eigg Monastery		Started before 617 by St Donnan.	Kildonnan Monastery	56°53′16″N 6°08′21″W / 56.8876782°N 6.1390398°W / 56.8876782; -6.1390398 (Eigg Monastery)
Fearn Abbey	TarbatTrip	Premonstratensian Canons Part of Whithorn. Started between 1221 and 1222 (or around 1227 at Old Fearn). Closed in 1609.	The Abbey Church of Saint Ninian, Fearn	57°46′12″N 3°57′23″W / 57.7700948°N 3.9562583°W / 57.7700948; -3.9562583 (Fearn Abbey)
Fort Augustus Abbey	Fort Augustus Abbey	Built as a military fort. Became a Benedictine abbey and school in the 20th century. Now privately owned.		57°08′41″N 4°40′36″W / 57.1446802°N 4.6766782°W / 57.1446802; -4.6766782 (Fort Augustus Abbey)
Inverness Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started after 1214 and before 1240 by King Alexander II. Closed before 1567. Destroyed by Cromwell, and its stones were used to build a fort.	St Bartholomew	57°28′50″N 4°13′48″W / 57.4806259°N 4.2298881°W / 57.4806259; -4.2298881 (Inverness Blackfriars)
Inverness Greyfriars		This is a mix-up with Inverness Blackfriars.
Kingussie Whitefriars #		Carmelite Friars Started before 1501. Closed after 1560.	St Columba's Friary	57°04′52″N 4°03′09″W / 57.0809868°N 4.0524328°W / 57.0809868; -4.0524328 (Kingussie Whitefriars)
Murkle Priory		Nuns of an uncertain order. This is a supposed foundation that has not been proven.	Glosters Priory
North Rona Monastery		Started in the 7th century.
Old Fearn Abbey		Premonstratensian Canons Started around 1227.		57°51′43″N 4°19′04″W / 57.8619227°N 4.3177986°W / 57.8619227; -4.3177986 (Old Fearn Abbey (approx.)) approx

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Lanarkshire

South Lanarkshire

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Blantyre Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular A small community that was part of Jedburgh. Started between 1238 and 1249. Closed in 1598 or 1599.		55°48′39″N 4°05′55″W / 55.8108077°N 4.0986192°W / 55.8108077; -4.0986192 (Blantyre Priory)
Culter Preceptory	Supposedly Knights Templar No such house existed; this is a mix-up with Maryculter (see above).
Lanark Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual Started around 1328 or 1329, planned by King Robert I. Probably started by King David II. Closed before 1566.		55°40′25″N 3°46′53″W / 55.6735485°N 3.7814216°W / 55.6735485; -3.7814216 (Lanark Greyfriars)
Lesmahagow Priory	Lesmahagow Priory	Tironensian monks from Kelso. Started in 1144. Closed in 1607.	The Priory Church of Saint Malo, Lesmahagow	55°38′16″N 3°53′08″W / 55.6379041°N 3.8855124°W / 55.6379041; -3.8855124 (Lesmahagow Priory)
Nunnery Priory	Supposedly nuns of an unknown order. No such monastery existed here.

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Lothian

East Lothian

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Dirleton Red Friars		Trinitarians A chapel was started by the ancestors of Patrick, Lord Haliburton. Recorded as Trinitarian in 1507. Became property of the Crown before 1588.		56°02′14″N 2°47′18″W / 56.0372531°N 2.7882927°W / 56.0372531; -2.7882927 (Dirleton Red Friars)
Dunbar Priory		Trinitarians Started between 1240 and 1248 (or 1218). Closed in 1529.	The Priory Church of the Holy Trinity, Dunbar	56°00′05″N 2°31′05″W / 56.0014092°N 2.5180471°W / 56.0014092; -2.5180471 (Dunbar Priory)
Dunbar Whitefriars?		Carmelite Friars Supposedly started in 1263. The stories about its founding are not true, and later mentions might be a mix-up with the Trinitarian house.
Elbottle Priory		Cistercian nuns A small community of South Berwick. This is a supposed foundation with no proof.
Fidra Priory		Premonstratensian Canons This is a supposed house. The island was given to Dryburgh. Canons from Dryburgh served at the church around 1220.	Elbottle Priory	56°04′24″N 2°47′07″W / 56.0732032°N 2.7852595°W / 56.0732032; -2.7852595 (Fidra Priory)
Gullane Priory		Cistercian nuns A small community of South Berwick. Supposedly started by King David I. This is a supposed foundation with no proof.	Golyn Priory
Haddington Austin Friars	This is a mistake for the Augustinian Canons of St Andrews.
Haddington Austin Friars		Augustinian Friars A hospital was closed, and a house was built for Austin Friars, but they never lived there. It was given to Walter Ramsay, Chaplain to King James V. This foundation was never completed.
Haddington Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started in 1471. Closed between 1489 and 1490. Unproven claims say it was destroyed by the English around 1558.		55°56′51″N 2°47′09″W / 55.9474937°N 2.7857852°W / 55.9474937; -2.7857852 (Haddington Blackfriars)
Haddington Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Started in 1242. Destroyed in 1356.	Lucerna Laudoniae or Lamp of Lothian	55°57′18″N 2°46′24″W / 55.9550746°N 2.7733612°W / 55.9550746; -2.7733612 (Haddington Greyfriars)
Haddington Priory		Cistercian nuns Started before 1159. Closed in 1621. The land became a lordship.
Houston Red Friars		Trinitarians Started around 1270. Possibly connected to Houston hospital. Often wrongly placed in Renfrewshire. Closed in 1531.	The Grace of God
Luffness Red Friars	Supposedly Trinitarians Said to be started in 1285. This is a mix-up with the Carmelite house at Fail.
Luffness Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars Started before 1293. Closed after 1560. Leased by the Crown in 1609.		56°00′40″N 2°50′53″W / 56.0111733°N 2.8479749°W / 56.0111733; -2.8479749 (Luffness Friary)
Nunraw Abbey *	Nunraw	Cistercian monks from Roscrea in Ireland. A small community of Haddington. Started in 1946. It is still active today.	Sancta Maria Abbey, Nunraw	55°55′19″N 2°39′04″W / 55.9218085°N 2.651031°W / 55.9218085; -2.651031 (Nunraw Abbey)
Nunraw Priory	Supposedly Cistercian nuns There's no proof of a nunnery here.
North Berwick Priory	Old Abbey, North Berwick	Cistercian nuns Started around 1150. Given to Mariot Cockburn in 1566. Ruined by 1587. Closed between 1587 and 1588.		56°03′20″N 2°43′50″W / 56.055666°N 2.7305585°W / 56.055666; -2.7305585 (North Berwick Priory)
Papple Priory	Supposedly nuns of an unknown order. Land was owned by Cistercians, but there's no proof of a monastery.
St Germains Preceptory	Knights Templar Said to be a Templars' house, but it was actually a Bethlehemite Hospital.
Trefontain Priory		Cistercian nuns A small community of South Berwick. Started by King David I. This is a supposed foundation.	Trefountain Priory; Trefontaynes Priory
Tyninghame Monastery		Stories say it was started before 756. Destroyed by the Norse in 941.

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West Lothian

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Abercorn Monastery	Abercorn Church	Celtic monks Probably started between 635 and 663. Closed after the early 8th century.		55°59′46″N 3°28′27″W / 55.996086°N 3.4742224°W / 55.996086; -3.4742224 (Abercorn Monastery)
Kirkliston Preceptory		Knights Hospitaller Started in 1560. Joined with Torphichen before 1513.
Linlithgow Austin Friars		Augustinian Friars Royal gifts were made between 1503. However, there's no proof they ever lived there, and the foundation was incomplete.
Linlithgow Blackfriars		Dominican Blackfriars Its foundation and founder are unknown.
Linlithgow Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars Started around 1401. Closed before 1567 or 1568.		55°58′18″N 3°35′55″W / 55.9715888°N 3.5985267°W / 55.9715888; -3.5985267 (Linlithgow Whitefriars)
Manuel Austin Friars		Augustinian Friars A plan to close the Cistercian nunnery (see below) and start an Austin Friars house was made in 1506 but never happened. This foundation was incomplete.
Manuel Priory		Cistercian nuns Started in 1156 (or before 1164). Closed after 1599.	Emanuel Nunnery; Manuel Nunnery	55°58′10″N 3°38′57″W / 55.9695475°N 3.6490488°W / 55.9695475; -3.6490488 (Manuel Priory)
Torphichen Preceptory +	Torphichen Preceptory	Knights Hospitaller Started between 1144 and 1153 by King David I. Closed between 1563 and 1564. The land was given to James, Lord St John, in 1564.		55°56′05″N 3°39′08″W / 55.9346427°N 3.6521628°W / 55.9346427; -3.6521628 (Torphichen Preceptory)

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Midlothian

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Balantrodoch Preceptory		Knights Templar Started between 1128 and 1153. Closed around 1309.	Temple
Newbattle Abbey	Newbattle Abbey	Cistercian monks from Melrose. Started in 1140 by King David I. Closed in 1560. The land became a lordship in 1587.	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Newbattle	55°52′49″N 3°04′13″W / 55.8803663°N 3.0703568°W / 55.8803663; -3.0703568 (Newbattle Abbey)
Soutra Red Friars		Supposedly Trinitarians This claim is not true.

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Moray

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Elgin Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started in 1233 or 1234 by King Alexander II. Closed in 1570 or 1571.	St James	57°38′58″N 3°19′21″W / 57.6494827°N 3.3224469°W / 57.6494827; -3.3224469 (Elgin Blackfriars)
Elgin Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual Land was given around 1281, but the monastery was not completed.		57°38′55″N 3°18′37″W / 57.6486273°N 3.3103609°W / 57.6486273; -3.3103609 (Elgin Greyfriars, Conventual)
Elgin Greyfriars, Observants		Observant Franciscan Friars Started before 1494. Closed around 1559. Still used by a nearby convent today.	Observantine House of The Franciscan Friars	57°38′53″N 3°18′35″W / 57.6479499°N 3.3096313°W / 57.6479499; -3.3096313 (Elgin Greyfriars, Observant)
Elgin Whitefriars ?		Carmelite Friars This is probably a mix-up with the Greyfriars.
Forres Blackfriars		Supposedly Dominican Friars There's no proof for this.
Kinloss Abbey	Kinloss Abbey	Cistercian monks from Melrose. Started in 1150 by King David I. Closed in 1560. The land became a lordship in 1601.	The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kinloss	57°38′02″N 3°33′59″W / 57.6339271°N 3.5665119°W / 57.6339271; -3.5665119 (Kinloss Abbey)
Pluscarden Abbey *	Pluscarden Abbey	Valliscaulian monks from Val des Choux A priory in 1230. Later became Benedictine monks and was part of Dunfermline. Closed in 1587. Now a Benedictine abbey again.	The Abbey Church of Saint Andrew, Pluscarden	57°36′02″N 3°26′15″W / 57.6005539°N 3.4374547°W / 57.6005539; -3.4374547 (Pluscarden Abbey)
Urquhart Priory #		Benedictine monks from Dunfermline. Started in 1124, supposedly by King David I. Later joined with Pluscarden. No remains are left on the site today.	The Priory Church of the Holy Trinity, Urquhart	57°38′53″N 3°11′36″W / 57.6481164°N 3.1934381°W / 57.6481164; -3.1934381 (Urquhart Priory (site)) site 57°39′13″N 3°12′00″W / 57.6535994°N 3.1998907°W / 57.6535994; -3.1998907 (Urquhart Priory (location of vestiges)) vestiges

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Orkney

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Brough of Birsay Monastery	Brough of Birsay	Possibly a Celtic monks settlement in the 6th century. Became a Viking farm in the 9th century. Was a cathedral in the early 12th century. The church was probably used by the local community until the 13th century.	St Peter's Monastery	59°08′12″N 3°19′49″W / 59.136571°N 3.3301824°W / 59.136571; -3.3301824 (Brough of Birsay Monastery)
Brough of Birsay Red Friars		Supposedly Trinitarians The order is not confirmed.
Eynhallow Monastery #	Eynhallow Monastery	Possible site of a monastic settlement in the 12th century. It clearly stopped being used well before the 16th century.		59°08′29″N 3°07′19″W / 59.1412545°N 3.1218123°W / 59.1412545; -3.1218123 (Eynhallow Monastery)
Golgotha Monastery *, Papa Stronsay		Transalpine Redemptorists (a Catholic religious order) Moved here from France. The island was bought in 1999. It is still active today.		59°08′56″N 2°35′18″W / 59.1488162°N 2.588262°W / 59.1488162; -2.588262 (Golgotha Monastery)
Hichaten Priory		Cistercian monks This is a supposed foundation, and no such place has been found in the Orkneys.	Hichaten vel Orcades
Transalpine Redemptorists		Possibly Papari or Pictish monks Started in the 8th century.		59°08′53″N 2°34′45″W / 59.1480757°N 2.5793016°W / 59.1480757; -2.5793016 (Papa Stronsay Monastery)

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Perth & Kinross

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Abernethy Priory	Abernethy Round Tower	Culdees Started around the 6th century. Later became Augustinian Canons Regular in 1272 or 1273. Closed in the early 14th century. Then became a college for secular canons.	The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Saint Bridget and Saint Abrinca St Bride	56°20′00″N 3°18′43″W / 56.3333603°N 3.3118629°W / 56.3333603; -3.3118629 (Abernethy Priory)
Aberuthven 'Cell'	A church given to the 'brethren' at Inchafray around 1198. It remained a parish church, not a monastic community.			56°19′02″N 3°39′40″W / 56.3171734°N 3.6611402°W / 56.3171734; -3.6611402 (Aberuthven (erroneously asserted cell))
Coupar Angus Abbey	Coupar Angus Abbey	Cistercian monks from Melrose. Started between 1161 and 1164, planned by King Malcolm IV. Closed in 1560. The land became a lordship.	The Abbey Church of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Coupar Angus	56°32′39″N 3°15′59″W / 56.5440363°N 3.2664156°W / 56.5440363; -3.2664156 (Coupar Angus Abbey)
Coupar Angus Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started around 1480.
Dalvey Cell		Valliscaulian monks Supposedly a small community of Pluscarden. There's no proof, and it's considered a guess.
Dron Priory		Cistercian monks Supposedly part of Coupar Angus. This is doubtful.		56°27′26″N 3°07′24″W / 56.4572°N 3.1233°W / 56.4572; -3.1233 (Dron Priory? (supposed))
Dull Priory		Suggested house of Tironensian monks. The references seem to be wrong.
Dunkeld Monastery	Dunkeld Cathedral	Built before 849 by Kenneth mac Alpin. Now a cathedral.		56°33′54″N 3°35′23″W / 56.56500°N 3.58972°W / 56.56500; -3.58972 (Dunkeld Monastery – now cathedral)
Elcho Priory		Cistercian nuns Started before 1241. Closed in 1610. The land became a lordship.	Elcho Nunnery; Orchardnook	56°22′49″N 3°23′31″W / 56.380297°N 3.391964°W / 56.380297; -3.391964 (Elcho Priory)
Forfar Abbey	Cistercian monks This is a mistake for Coupar Angus.
Forfar Greyfriars		Supposedly Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual This is a mistake.
Inchaffray Abbey	Inchaffray Abbey	A community of brethren. Its foundation is unknown. Augustinian Canons Regular A priory was started around 1200. Became an abbey in 1220 or 1221. Closed between 1609 and 1669. The land became a lordship.	The Abbey Church of Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Mary, Inchaffray	56°23′00″N 3°41′45″W / 56.383273°N 3.6959204°W / 56.383273; -3.6959204 (Inchaffray Abbey)
Kinkell 'Cell'	Augustinian Canons Regular Said to be a small community of Inchaffray, but it was actually a parish church.
Kinkell Commandery		Knights Hospitaller This is a traditional story with no proof.
Loch Tay Priory		Augustinian Canons Regular from Scone. Its foundation is uncertain. The island was given to Scone in 1122.	The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Loch Tay	56°35′02″N 4°00′37″W / 56.5839458°N 4.0103316°W / 56.5839458; -4.0103316 (Loch Tay Priory)
Methven Monastery		Secular priests (religious priests not living under a monastic rule) Started between 1214 and 1223?
Montrose Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started in 1230. Apparently abandoned after being destroyed in the 14th century. Closed in 1570 or 1571. The land was given to the Burgh of Montrose.	The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary ____________________ Blackfriars Hospital	56°42′48″N 2°28′38″W / 56.7132802°N 2.4773097°W / 56.7132802; -2.4773097 (Montrose Blackfriars)
Muthill Monastery		Culdees Started between 1178 and 1195. Closed by 1236.
Perth Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started before 1240 (or 1231) by King Alexander II. Closed in 1569. The land was given to the Burgh of Perth.	St Andrew	56°23′55″N 3°25′51″W / 56.398719°N 3.4308532°W / 56.398719; -3.4308532 (Perth Blackfriars)
Perth Greyfriars		Observant Franciscan Friars Started before 1496. Destroyed by reformers in 1559. Closed between 1559 and 1560. The site became a cemetery in 1580.
Perth Charterhouse		Carthusian monks (a strict group of monks) Started in 1429, planned by King James I. Closed in 1569. The Town Council took possession in 1602.	Vale of Virtue Priory	56°23′25″N 3°26′22″W / 56.3902142°N 3.4393558°W / 56.3902142; -3.4393558 (Perth Charterhouse)
Perth, St Leonard's Priory		Augustinian Canonesses Started in the 13th century. Joined with Perth Charterhouse around 1434.	St Leonard ____________________ St Leonard's Priory and Hospital	56°23′26″N 3°26′22″W / 56.390439°N 3.4393645°W / 56.390439; -3.4393645 (Perth, St Leonard's Priory)
Rindalgros Monastery?		Benedictine monks from Reading in Berkshire. Started between 1147 and 1153. A monastic community was here, but possibly no monastery was built. It might have moved to Isle of May or joined with it.	Rhynd Monastery; Rindelgros Monastery	56°21′52″N 3°22′25″W / 56.3645132°N 3.3736181°W / 56.3645132; -3.3736181 (Rindalgros monastic settlement?)
St Fillan's Priory	Remains of St Fillan's Chapel	Augustinian Canons Regular from Inchaffray. Started in 1317. The land was given to Campbell of Glenorchy. The revenues were given to Archibald Campbell in 1607.	The Priory Church of Saint Fillan, St Fillan's ____________________ Strathfillan Priory; Strath Fillan Priory	56°25′09″N 4°39′42″W / 56.4191892°N 4.661639°W / 56.4191892; -4.661639 (St Fillan's Priory)
St Serf's Inch Priory, St Serf's Inch, Loch Leven		Culdees Started before 842. Augustinian Canons Regular Started between 1152 and 1153. Closed in 1580. Now part of an island nature reserve. (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 / 56.187532°N 3.3524609°W / 56.187532; -3.3524609 (St Serf's Inch Priory)
Scone Abbey		Culdees or Columban monks No proof for this. Augustinian Canons Regular from Nostell. Possibly refounded around 1120 by King Alexander I.	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 / 56.4226961°N 3.4320903°W / 56.4226961; -3.4320903 (Scone Abbey)
Scotlandwell Red Friars		Originally a hospital. Became Trinitarians in 1250 or 1251. Closed before 1591 or 1592.		56°11′58″N 3°18′44″W / 56.1994528°N 3.3123565°W / 56.1994528; -3.3123565 (Scotlandwell Red Friars)
Tullilum Whitefriars		Carmelite Friars Started in 1262. Closed after 1559. Supposedly destroyed by reformers in 1559. The land was given to Patrick Murray in 1565.	Perth Whitefriars; Tulliburn Whitefriars The White Chapel (nave)	56°23′53″N 3°26′44″W / 56.3980407°N 3.4456026°W / 56.3980407; -3.4456026 (Tullilum Whitefriars)

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Renfrewshire

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Inchinnan Monastery		Traditionally a monastic settlement.
Inchinnan 'Preceptory'	Knights Templar No monastery was here; it was a parish church owned by the Templars and later the Hospitallers.			55°53′33″N 4°25′51″W / 55.8925006°N 4.4307342°W / 55.8925006; -4.4307342 (Inchinnan 'Preceptory')
Paisley Abbey +	Paisley Abbey	Cluniac monks from Wenlock in Shropshire. A priory was started around 1169 (or 1163). Became an abbey in 1219 (or 1245). Closed in 1587. Now used by the CS.	The Abbey Church of saints Mary, James, Mirin and Milburga	55°50′42″N 4°25′13″W / 55.8448677°N 4.4203448°W / 55.8448677; -4.4203448 (Paisley Abbey)
Renfrew Priory		Cluniac monks from Cluny. Started around 1163. Closed between 1169 and 1173.		55°52′23″N 4°22′53″W / 55.8731801°N 4.3812758°W / 55.8731801; -4.3812758 (Renfrew Priory)

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Scottish Borders

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Ancrum Preceptory		Knights Hospitaller Supposedly a preceptory or hospital. This is a guess.
Ancrum Red Friars		Trinitarians Supposed house with no proof.
Berwick Austin Friars	This was in Scotland until 1482. See List of monastic houses in Northumberland.
Berwick Blackfriars	This was in Scotland until 1482. See List of monastic houses in Northumberland.
Berwick Greyfriars	This was in Scotland until 1482. See List of monastic houses in Northumberland.
Berwick Priory	This was in Scotland until 1482. See List of monastic houses in Northumberland.
Berwick Red Friars	This was in Scotland until 1482. See List of monastic houses in Northumberland.
Berwick Friars of the Sack	This was in Scotland until 1482. See List of monastic houses in Northumberland.
Berwick Whitefriars	This was in Scotland until 1482. See List of monastic houses in Northumberland.
Charterhouse	Carthusian monks No proof of a monastery here; probably a misunderstanding of Perth Charterhouse.
Coldingham Priory +	Coldingham Priory	Monks and nuns (a double community) Started before 661 and 664. Damaged by fire around 683. Destroyed by Danes around 870. Benedictine monks Started before 1139. Closed in 1606. Part of the church is now used by the local community.	The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Saint Ebba and Saint Cuthbert, Coldingham	55°53′11″N 2°09′18″W / 55.8864591°N 2.1550852°W / 55.8864591; -2.1550852 (Coldingham Priory)
Coldstream Priory		Cistercian nuns Started before 1166. Closed in 1621. The land became a lordship.
Crail Priory		A false story about a nunnery.
Eccles Priory		Cistercian nuns Supposedly started in 1156. Closed in 1609. The land became a lordship.
Dryburgh Abbey	Dryburgh Abbey	Premonstratensian Canons from Alnwick. Started in 1150. Closed in 1606. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Dryburgh	55°34′38″N 2°38′58″W / 55.5772803°N 2.6494968°W / 55.5772803; -2.6494968 (Dryburgh Abbey)
Fogo Priory	Fogo Kirk	Tironensian monks from Kelso. Started between 1259 and 1297. Its closing date is unknown.		55°44′08″N 2°21′50″W / 55.7356402°N 2.3637611°W / 55.7356402; -2.3637611 (Fogo Priory)
Jedburgh Abbey	Jedburgh Abbey	Land given around 830. Augustinian Canons Regular A priory was started around 1138 (or 1148) by King David I. Became an abbey around 1154. Closed in 1696. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Jedburgh	55°28′36″N 2°33′17″W / 55.4766524°N 2.5546753°W / 55.4766524; -2.5546753 (Jedburgh Abbey)
Jedburgh Blackfriars		Locally but wrongly called Dominican Friars.		55°28′48″N 2°33′12″W / 55.479933°N 2.553400°W / 55.479933; -2.553400 (Jedburgh Blackfriars)
Jedburgh Greyfriars		Observant Franciscan Friars Started before 1505. Its closing date is unknown.
Kelso Abbey	Kelso Abbey	Tironensian monks A community was started at Selkirk around 1113. Moved from Selkirk in 1128. Closed in 1607. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, Kelso	55°35′50″N 2°25′57″W / 55.5972259°N 2.4325168°W / 55.5972259; -2.4325168 (Kelso Abbey)
Makerstoun Charterhouse		Carthusian monks Land was given to the Carthusians at Perth in 1433 or 1434. No proof of a monastery here.
Melrose Abbey	Melrose Abbey	Cistercian monks from Rievaulx or Holmcultram. Started in 1136 or 1137 by King David I. Closed in 1598. The land became a lordship. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and Saint John, Melrose	55°35′57″N 2°43′05″W / 55.5991019°N 2.7180272°W / 55.5991019; -2.7180272 (Melrose Abbey)
Old Melrose Monastery		Celtic monks Possibly from Iona. Started between 635 and 651. Destroyed in 839. Later, a church was started. It was joined with the Cistercian monastery at Melrose.	St Cuthbert's Chapel	55°35′52″N 2°39′20″W / 55.5977199°N 2.6554406°W / 55.5977199; -2.6554406 (Old Melrose Monastery (site))
Peebles Red Friars	Cross Kirk	Trinitarians A church was built after 1261. A friary was apparently started around 1448. Closed between 1560 and 1561. The land became a barony in 1624. The church was used until 1784.	The Friary Church of the Holy Trinity, Peebles ____________________ The Cross Kirk; Holy Cross	55°39′15″N 3°11′33″W / 55.6542387°N 3.1924832°W / 55.6542387; -3.1924832 (Peebles Red Friars (site))
Roxburgh Greyfriars		Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual Started in 1232 or 1234 by King Alexander II. Destroyed by fire in 1454. Closed after 1547.		55°35′46″N 2°26′44″W / 55.5962496°N 2.4454495°W / 55.5962496; -2.4454495 (Roxburgh Greyfriars)
Roxburgh Priory		Supposedly Augustinian Canons Regular This is probably a mix-up with the Franciscan friary.
Roxburgh Priory		Cistercian monks This claim is not proven. The church was owned by Kelso, but there's no proof of monks living there.
St Bothan's Priory, Abbey St Bathans		Cistercian nuns Started in the 13th century. Closed in 1622. The land became a lordship.	St Bathan's Priory	55°51′11″N 2°23′14″W / 55.8530937°N 2.3872934°W / 55.8530937; -2.3872934 (St Bothan's Priory)
Selkirk Abbey		Tironensian monks from Tiron. Started around 1113 by Earl David. Moved to Kelso around 1128.
Selkirk Blackfriars		Dominican Blackfriars A charter from 1358 allowed a new monastery to be built. However, there's no proof it was built.	St Ninian

The following location in the Scottish Borders has no known monastic connection:

• Abbey: This place name probably didn't exist before 1726.

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Stirling

Foundation	Image	Communities & provenance	Formal name or dedication & alternative names	Online references & location
Cambuskenneth Abbey	Cambuskenneth Abbey	Augustinian Canons Regular — Arroasian from Arroaise. Started in 1147. (HS)	The Abbey Church of Saint Mary, Cambuskenneth	56°07′24″N 3°55′03″W / 56.1233031°N 3.917495°W / 56.1233031; -3.917495 (Cambuskenneth Abbey)
Dunblane Monastery	Dunblane Cathedral	An early foundation, possibly Culdees, but this is not proven. Became a cathedral before 1214-1223.		56°11′22″N 3°57′54″W / 56.1894902°N 3.9650345°W / 56.1894902; -3.9650345 (Dunblane Monastery – now cathedral)
Inchcailleoch Priory		Supposedly nuns of an unknown order. This is a traditional story, but it was a parish church, and there's no proof of a monastery.
Inchmahome Priory, Lake of Menteith	Inchmahome Priory	Augustinian Canons Regular An independent priory started in 1238. Closed in 1604. The land became a lordship. (HS)		56°10′35″N 4°17′53″W / 56.176342°N 4.2979181°W / 56.176342; -4.2979181 (Inchmahome Priory)
Stirling Blackfriars		Dominican Friars Started before 1249 by King Alexander II. Supposedly destroyed by reformers in 1559. Closed in 1567. The land was given to the town of Stirling.	St Laurence	56°07′10″N 3°56′12″W / 56.11944°N 3.93667°W / 56.11944; -3.93667 (Stirling Blackfriars)
Stirling Greyfriars		Observant Franciscan Friars Started in 1494. Closed between 1559 and 1567. Destroyed by reformers in 1559. Given to the magistrates in 1567.

The following location in the Stirling Region has no monastic connection:

• Ross Priory: This is a large house named 'Ross', renamed 'Ross Priory' in 1810.

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Unidentified Supposed Foundations

These are places that were thought to be monasteries, but there isn't enough proof to confirm them, or they were never fully built.

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Images for kids

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  Aberdeen Whitefriars

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  Deer Abbey

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  Arbroath Abbey

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  Brechin Cathedral and Round Tower

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  Restenneth Priory

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  Ardchattan Priory

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  Iona Abbey

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  Iona Nunnery

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  Oronsay Priory

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  Saddell Abbey

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  Kilwinning Abbey

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  Crossraguel Abbey

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  Fail Monastery, in 1860

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  Canonbie Church

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  Dercongal Abbeys Sketch

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  Dundrennan Abbey

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  Glenluce Abbey

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  Lincluden Collegiate Church

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  Sweetheart Abbey

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  Tongland Old Parish Church

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  Whithorn Priory

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  Greyfriars Kirk

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  Holyrood Abbey

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  St. Mary's Church, Queensferry

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  Beauly Priory

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  TarbatTrip

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  Fort Augustus Abbey

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  Lesmahagow Priory

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  Nunraw

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  Old Abbey, North Berwick

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  Abercorn Church

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  Torphichen Preceptory

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  Newbattle Abbey

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  Kinloss Abbey

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  Pluscarden Abbey

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  Brough of Birsay

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  Eynhallow Monastery

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  Abernethy Round Tower

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  Coupar Angus Abbey

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  Dunkeld Cathedral

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  Inchaffray Abbey

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  Remains of St Fillan's Chapel

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  Paisley Abbey

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  Coldingham Priory

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  Dryburgh Abbey

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  Fogo Kirk

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  Jedburgh Abbey

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  Kelso Abbey

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  Melrose Abbey

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  Cross Kirk

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  Cambuskenneth Abbey

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  Dunblane Cathedral

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  Inchmahome Priory