List of monastic houses in Scotland is a catalogue of the abbeys, priories, friaries and other monastic religious houses of Scotland.
In this article alien houses are included, as are smaller establishments such as cells and notable monastic granges (particularly those with resident monks). The numerous monastic hospitalsper se are not included here unless at some time the foundation had, or was purported to have, the status or function of an abbey, priory, friary or preceptory/commandery.
Communities/provenance: shows the status and communities existing at each establishment, together with such dates as having 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.
Abbreviations and key
The sites listed are ruins unless indicated thus:
*
indicates the 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
Locations with names in italics indicate probable duplication (misidentification with another location) or non-existent foundations (either erroneous reference or proposed foundation never implemented.
Communities/provenance: shows the status and communities existing at each establishment, together with such dates as having 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.
Dominican Friars founded between 1230 and 1249, purportedly by Alexander II; destroyed by Reformers 4 January 1560; secularised between 1560 and 1587; granted to George, Earl Marischal 17 May 1587; site currently occupied by Robert Gordon's College, Schoolhill - see Parson Gordon's 1661 map showing "Blackfreers".
Observant Franciscan Friars 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
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 Nunnery
purported nunsof unspecified order — no evidence of such a foundation
St Catherine
Aberdeen Preceptory
property of Knights Templars, 'convent and church' are fictitious
Aberdeen Red Friars
Trinitarians founded before 1274 (1181[note 1]); (William the Lion reputedly granted his royal residence in Aberdeen to two red friars 1211); secularised 1561
Carmelite Friars founded c. 1273: grant made by Reginald le Chen; dissolved 1560-83; passed through several ownerships, eventually granted to the Town Council by James VI 26 October 1583
Carmelite Friars founded 1321-4, chapel of Our Lady granted by Robert I 21 April 1321, confirmed by him 1 August 1323; burned 20 July 1559; dissolved or secularised 1574, granted to King's College, Aberdeen by James VI 10 September 1574
Priory of Bethlem of ye ordour of Carmelits beside Banff
grant to the canons of St James's, Buchan by the Pope 18 October 1221 - no known house or churches held by regular canons in Buchan, Aberdeenshire - possibly erroneous reference to a location outside Scotland
Celtic monks traditionally founded 6th C by Colum Cille — provenance unreliable Cistercian monks daughter house 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)
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
monksof unspecified order — purported cell burned down at the Reformation; purported collegiate foundation; parish church, no evidence of monastic foundation
Tironensian monks — from Kelso founded 1176 (1178) by William the Lion; church dedicated 8 May 1233; church damaged by lightning 1380, monks removed temporarily to other locations during repairs; mitred abbey 26 June 1396; dissolved 1606
Trinitarians purportedly founded 1256 by "Edward, Bishop of Brechin"[note 7] (no such bishop), or c. 1258 by David I[note 8] — reliable evidence lacking
Brechin Whitefriars?
supposed Carmelite Friars founded 1376 (in the tenure of Stephen Dempster, Bishop of Brechin) by Malcolm Dempster, Baron of Careston — supposed foundation – details unsubstantiated
Dundee Blackfriars
Dominican Friars founded c. 1521, benefactions by Andrew Abercromby, Burgess of Dundee; (charters 4 September 1315, 1345 and 1388 not considered authentic); petition to the pope by Scottish provincial 16 September 1517 to establish the house; sacked by mob August 1543; probably destroyed November 1548 when the English burned the town
Franciscan nuns founded 1501/2 by James Fotheringham (spurious charter of grant by James Graham of Fintry and Claverhouse); secularised 1560, the Magistrates of Dundee confirmed in possession 14 April 1567
Dundee Red Friars
purported Trinitarians purportedly founded 1283 by Sir James Scrymgeour; probably hospital – reference to monastic house probably erroneous
Kettins Red Friars
purported Trinitarians parish church appropriated to hospital of bridge of Berwick, and thereafter to the Trinitarians — no Trinitarian house
Culdees founded 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
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; Rostin Priory; Rostinoth Priory; Roslin Priory (erroneous reference)
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)
purported cell of monks — parish church only – island held by Crossraguel, exchanged with Saddell 17 January 1390/1 — no evidence of monastic foundation
Inchmernock
Inishail Priory
supposed Cistercian nuns remains of a building purportedly a nunnery; purportedly granted to Hay, Abbot of Inchaffray actually a parochial church appropriated by Inchaffray — supposed priory fictitious
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[note 11] 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)
Augustinian Canonesses founded before 1208, purportedly by Ragnall mac Somairle (Reginald, son of Somerled); secularised after 1574, granted to Hector McLean of Duart; (HS)
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
Cistercian monks daughter house 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
supposed Tironensian monks house built c. 1386, determined to be imaginary
Holy Island
purported monastery traditionally founded by Ranald, King of the Isles and Argyll or Johne, Lorde of the iles (probably John of Islay); island possessed by Iona — no evidence of monastic foundation
Irvine Whitefriars
Carmelite Friars probably founded before 1293 by a Fullerton of Fullerton; dissolved or secularised 1572; granted to the Royal School of Irvine by James VI 8 June 1572
Situated at Stanecastle and mentioned in several charters
Southannan Priory
Franciscan nuns spurious charter of William, Lord Semple; purportedly reduced to ashes at the Reformation; supposed foundation – spurious provenance; only chapel of St Anandi and graveyard chantry mentioned at the site
Dominican Friars founded before August 1242 (1230) by Alexander II, who endowed the church; leased by the Crown 4 June 1565; secularised 1567, granted to the Burgh of Ayr by charter of Queen Mary 14 April 1567; demolished after the Reformation
Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual founded before 1266 by Devorgilla de Balliol (20 April 1234(?)[note 18] by Alan of Galloway, or c. 1262[note 19]/before 1305[note 20]) dissolved or secularised 1569, Burgh of Dumfries granted revenues and land 23 April 1569; Town Council gained possession by 1570[note 21]
Cistercian monks — from Rievaulx daughter house of Rievaulx; founded 1142 by David I, or possibly Fergus of Galloway; dissolved 1560; granted to Edward Maxwell 14 August 1562; secularised 1606; (HS)
Cistercian monks — from Melrose daughter house 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
given as located in Galloway, probably South Ayrshire (v. supra)
Kilconquhar Monastery
purportedly Benedictine monks founded by Fergus (or Ethred), Lord of Galloway — no such location or monastery
Kirkcudbright Blackfriars
Dominican Friars probably erroneous reference to the house of Greyfriars (see immediately below)[note 22]
Kirkcudbright Greyfriars +
Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual founded c. 1450 (between 1449 and 1456) by James II; (or 1239, purportedly by Roger de Quincy, Earl of Winchester, Lord of Galloway and Constable of Scotland[note 23]); dissolved or secularised 1569; destroyed and ruinous before 6 December 1569 when granted to Thomas MacLellan of Bombie by James IV; granted to the Town Council 24 March 1570/1 by Thomas MacLellan, conventual church in parochial use from 24 March 1570/1
Benedictine nuns founded 1164 (before 1174) by Uchtred mac Fergus, Lord of Galloway or Malcolm IV; also given as Cluniac nuns; dissolved 1389; secular canons college late-14thC; (HS)
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
possible [non-monastic] Christian community late 4thC; possibly monastic by 8thC; Premonstratensian Canons daughter house of Soulseat founded c. 1175 or before 1161 by Fergus, Prince of Galloway; dissolved or secularised 1612; cathedral church of Galloway; (HS) Whithorn
Dominican Blackfriars founded 1267 or before 1287 by Devorgilla, daughter of Alan of Galloway; secularised 1560-70(?), probably granted to the Burgh of Wigtown (though no record found)
Dominican Friars founded 1230 by Alexander II, site of the king's manor house granted to the friars by him; dissolved or secularised 1566/7, granted to the magistrates and Edinburgh Town Council 13 March 1566/7. The area was eventually turned into the Old High School in 1578, rebuilt in 1777, the area is now part of the University of Edinburgh. Archaeologists discovered the remains of friary during the renovation of the buildings.
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
Observant Franciscan Friars founded c. 1463; destroyed by Reformers 14 June 1559; dissolved or secularised 1562; Greyfriars Tolbooth & Highland Kirk built on site 1602-20
Augustinian Canons Regular — from St Andrews daughter house of Merton, Surrey; founded 1128 by David I; sacked by the English 1322; burned by the English 1385; dissolved or secularised 1606; erected into temporal lordship for John Bothwell, son of the bishop 1606 (in parliament), charter 1607; nave in use as the parish church of the Canongate until 1686; partly absorbed into 17thC Holyrood Palace; served as Chapel Royal until mid-18thC; (HS)
Carmelite Friars founded 1 March 1440/1 (purportedly founded 1330 by the laird of Dundass,[note 25] or 28 November 1333[note 26]); dissolved before 1564/5; prior granted lease 27 February 1564/5; let by Sir Walter Dundas to the Balies and Town Council of Queensferry as a place of worship and school; present parochial church built on site 1635[note 27]
Knights Templar foundation unknown; suppressed c. 1309
Crail Blackfriars
purported Dominican Friars site granted for a church and monastery, (spurious charter purportedly of Elizabeth Hepburn, Abbess of Haddington 28 September 1448[note 29]); reliable evidence of foundation lacking
Crail Priory
nuns of unspecified order – apocryphal establishment
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)
Dominican Friars founded 1348: petition by Duncan, Earl of Fife to the Pope 1348, to found a Dominican convent at his castle; permission granted by the Pope for the vicar-general in Scotland of the English provincial to build a church and oratory; reportedly in a state of collapse by 13 November 1517; proposal to close the house approved 1518, confirmed by Crown charter 4 October 1519; incorporated with the house at St Andrews, where the friars transferred 1519; granted to the Burgh of Cupar by James VI 14 June 1572
purported hermit residence on the island prior to the foundation of the Augustinian house (see immediately above)
Inverbervie Whitefriars
Carmelite Friars founded before 1443, endowments by William, Earl of Keith and Alexander Strachan of Dullevarde 10 December 1443 (two spurious charters of foundation: 1358 by David II; 12 November 1388 by Mark Rait of Halgreen); dissolved or secularised before 1570; grant of friars' land and property made 15 October 1570; granted to hospital in Montrose 23 July 1571
Bervie Whitefriars
Inverkeithing Blackfriars
supposed Dominican Friars some references probably pertain to the Franciscan friary[note 32][note 33]
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
Dominican Friars purportedly founded 1274 by William Wishart, Bishop of St Andrews; destroyed by fire by Norman Lesley 1547; destroyed by Reformers 14 June 1599 dissolved or secularised 1567, granted to the municipality of St Andrews by Queen Mary 17 April 1567
The Assumption and Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary ____________________ Blackfriars Chapel
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)
Observant Franciscan Friars founded between 1463 and 1466 by James Kennedy, Bishop of St Andrew's, purported (spurious) papal bull of Pius II of foundation 24 November 1458; burned by Norman Lesilie July 1547; dissolved or secularised 1559–1567; resigned to the magistrates 18 May 1559; destroyed by Reformers on or c. 14 June 1559; granted to the Burgh of St Andrew's by Queen Mary 17 April 1567
St Andrew's Red Friars
purported Trinitarians — fictitious house
St Andrew's Whitefriars
asserted Carmelite Friars founded 1370 by 'Bishop William de Laverdale' [sic] (possibly William de Landallis); — uncertain foundation
St Ninian's Blackfriars
Dominican Blackfriars[note 37] erroneous reference to St Monan's
St Monan's Blackfriars +
church founded as a chapel 3 April 1370 by David II Dominican Friars refounded 15 November 1471 by James III; conventual status by bull of Sixtus IV procured by the vicar-general and the king 18 March 1476/7; incorporated into St Andrews Michaelmas 1519; secularised c. 1567
The Friary Church of Saint Monan, Saint Monan's ____________________ erroneously 'St Ninians' [note 37]
Augustinian Friars? church founded by laymen, granted to three hermits of the order in the Glasgow diocese c. 1453 — unidentified foundation
Glasgow Blackfriars #
Dominican Friars founded before 1246, purportedly by the bishop and chapter, papal bull of Innocent IV 10 July 1246 granted indulgence to those contributing to the building of the church; secularised 1566/7; granted by Mary, Queen of Scots to the University of Glasgow and served as a parish church 16 March 1566/7; conventual church destroyed by fire c. 1670; rebuilt 1699-1702; demolished when the university re-located in the 1870s
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)
Dominican Friars founded after 1214 and before 1240 by Alexander II; secularised before 19 January 1566/7; destroyed by Cromwell, masonry used in the construction of a citadel at the north of the town
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
Knights Templar — no such house – confusion with Maryculter (v. supra)
Lanark Greyfriars
Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual founded 11 November 1328 and 15 May 1329[note 38] (? between 27 March 1325 and 26 March 1326), site and endowments granted by Robert I who projected the foundation; probably founded by David II who obtained papal bull of Clement VI 29 November 1346;[note 39] leased to James Lockhart of Lee prior to dissolution (date unknown); dissolved or secularised before 1566 (date abandoned unknown, though masonry being removed before 1566)
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
Trinitarians chapel of St Andrew's founded by the ancestors of Patrick, Lord Haliburton; recorded as Trinitarian 1507; annexed to the Crown before 1 August 1588
Carmelite Friars purportedly founded 1263 by Patrick, Earl of March supposed foundation – foundation references spurious, later references possible confusion with Trinitarian house
Elbottle Priory
Cistercian nuns cell of South Berwick; supposed foundation – evidence lacking
Fidra Priory
Premonstratensian Canons supposed house island granted to Dryburgh by William de Vaux; canons of Dryburgh serving at the church of St Nicholas c. 1220 described as a chantry c. 1240
Cistercian nuns cell of South Berwick; allegedly founded by David I; supposed foundation – evidence lacking
Golyn Priory
Haddington Austin Friars
Augustinian Friars erroneous reference to Augustinian Canons of St Andrews
Haddington Austin Friars
Augustinian Friars hospital suppressed in favour of Austin Friars, and house built, though occupation never occurred and the house was conferred to Walter Ramsay, Chaplain to James V — incomplete foundation
Haddington Blackfriars
Dominican Friars founded 1471; dissolved or secularised 1489 to after 1490; unsubstantiated claims of destroyed by the English and reduced to ashes 'by the rage of fanatics' c. 1558[note 40]
Cistercian nuns founded before 1159 by Ada, Countess of Northumberland and Huntingdon; dissolved or secularised 1621; erected into a temporal lordship for John Maitland, master of Lauderdale 1621
Houston Red Friars
Trinitarians founded c. 1270 by Cristiana, widow of Sir Roger Mubray, (or purportedly c. 1226 by Hugh, Lord of Houston[note 41]), confirmed 26 January 1271/2 by Alexander III; possibly adjunct to, or identical with Houston hospital; commonly (erroneously) located in Renfrewshire; dissolved 1531; annexed to Peebles, confirmed by charter 8 January 1541/2
The Grace of God
Luffness Red Friars
purported Trinitarians purportedly founded 1285 by an earl of Dunbar; confusion with Carmelite house at Fail
Cistercian nuns founded c. 1150 by Duncan (I), Earl of Fife who granted land (also attributed to Malcolm, Earl of Fife); granted to Mariot Cockburn 30 June 1566; granted to Margaret Hume 7 August 1568; ruinous by 1587; dissolved or secularised 1587/8; resigned by Margaret Hume to Alexander Hume 20 March 1587/8: church and cloister site granted by James VI
Knights Hospitaller founded 1560; annexed to Torphichen soon before 31 March 1513
Linlithgow Austin Friars
Augustinian Friars royal benefactions between September and December 1503, no evidence of habitation – incomplete foundation; subsequent attempt to found settlement at Manuel (v. infra)
Augustinian Friars provision for suppression of Cistercian nunnery (see immediately below) by the Pope 16 June 1506, on petition by James IV, never implemented — incomplete foundation
Manuel Priory
Cistercian nuns founded 1156 (before 1164) by Malcolm IV, confirmed by William the Lion between 1166 and 1171; dissolved or secularised after 1599; probably passed into the possession of Alexander, Lord Livingstone, for whom the lease was renewed by James VI 13 April 1599
Knights Hospitaller founded between c. 1144 and 1153 by David I who granted land; secularised 1563/4; land and baronies granted to praeceptor James, Lord St John by Queen Mary 25 January 1563/4
Cistercian monks — from Melrose daughter house 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)
Dominican Friars founded 1233 or 1234 by King Alexander II; lands and revenues apparently permanently under Dunbar family at the Reformation; secularised 1570/1; Alexander Dunbar, dean of Moray received crown confirmation 7 January 1570/1, property granted under Great Seal 4 March 1573/4 and 9 January 1575/6
Observant Franciscan Friars founded before 1494, allegedly by John Innes of Innes; dissolved or secularised c. 1559; lands leased to Robert Innes of Invermarky by James VI 20 April 1573; restored; now in use by adjacent convent
Cistercian monks — from Melrose daughter house of Melrose; founded 21 May 1150 by David I; dissolved 1560; secularised 1601, erected into a temporal lordship for Edward Bruce, becoming Lord Kinloss, (charters 1601, 1608)
Valliscaulian monks — from Val des Choux priory 1230; Benedictine monks dependent on Dunfermline; dissolved 1587, united with Urquhart; Benedictine monkspriory, now Benedictineabbey
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
possible Celtic monksmonastic 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
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
church granted to the 'brethren' at Inchafray c. 1198; asserted cell of Inchafray granted to the Augustinian Canons Regular at Inchafray c. 1200; remained a parochial church rather than a cell
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; granted to Andrew Lamb 24 March 1603; granted to Patrick Sterling 20 May 1607; secularised 1606; erected into a temporal lordship for James Elphinstone, thereafter Lord Coupar; Lamb resigned the claim 24 January 1607
Cistercian nuns founded before 1241, attributed to David Lindsay I; dissolved or secularised 1610; erected into a temporal lordship for Lord Scone (later Viscount Stormont)
community of brethren foundation unknown; 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
Dominican Friars founded 1230, purportedly by Sir Alan Durward; apparently abandoned after being destroyed 14thC; secularised 1570/1, revenues granted to the Burgh of Montrose by James VI 1 January 1570/1
The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary ____________________ Blackfriars Hospital
Culdees founded between 1178 and 1195; dissolved by 1236
Perth Blackfriars
Dominican Friars founded before 1240, (purportedly 1231) by Alexander II; secularised 1569, lands and revenues granted to the Burgh of Perth by James VI 9 August 1569
Observant Franciscan Friars founded before 1496, purported (spurious) papal bull of Pius II 26 July 1460 confirming building by Sir Laurence of Oliphant of Aberdelgie; (erroneous reference to 1358 foundation is evidently the Blackfriars' house) dissolved or secularised 1559-60, destroyed by Reformers 1559; site became a cemetery 1580
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
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
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; Strath Fillan Priory
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
Carmelite Friars founded 1262, chapel granted by Richard, Bishop of Dunkeld; dissolved or secularised after 1559; purportedly destroyed by Reformers 1559; granted to Patrick Murray of Tibbermore, confirmed by the Crown 23 June 1565[note 50]
Perth Whitefriars; Tulliburn Whitefriars The White Chapel (nave)
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
Cistercian nuns founded before 1166 by Earl Gospatrick; dissolved or secularised 1621, erected into a temporal lordship for Sir John Hamilton of Trabroun
Crail Priory
apocryphal establishment of nuns
Eccles Priory
Cistercian nuns purportedly founded 1156 (or 1145 or 1155), attributed to Earl Gospatrick, or a countess of March (possibly Derdere, wife of Earl Gospatrick); dissolved or secularised 1609; erected into a temporal lordship of Sir George Hume 24 June 1609
Tironensian monks — from Kelso dependent on Kelso; founded between 1259 and 1297, church of St Nicholas granted to Kelso by Patrick Corbet; dissolution unknown
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)
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)
Celtic monks 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
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
Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual founded 1232 or 1232-4 by Alexander II;[note 54] destroyed: burned by the English 14 September 1454[note 55] dissolved or secularised after 1547, evidently; partly re-roofed November 1547 and in use for English troops
Cistercian nuns founded 13thC (possibly during the reign of William the Lion) possibly by a countess of March, or by Ada, daughter of William the Lion, or Christina, wife of Earl Patrick, or Euphemia, wife of Patrick, Earl of Dunbar; leased to Alexander, Lord Home 16 June 1565/6; conferred on Elizabeth Hume 8 March 1565/6, demitted before 23 July 1617; granted to David Lindsay 23 July 1617; dissolved or secularised 1622, erected into a temporal lordship for David Lindsay
Dominican Blackfriars[note 57] charter of James Tweedie of Drumelzier, 28 September 1358, granted site to build a new monastery on the instruction of King David II[note 58] — evidence lacking
St Ninian
The following location in the Scottish Borders has no known monastic connection:
nuns of unspecified order - traditional (assumed from the name of the island - purportedly "the island of old women"), parochial church — no evidence of monastic foundation
Augustinian Canons Regular independent priory founded 1238 by Walter, Earl of Menteith; dissolved or secularised 1604; erected into temporal lordship for John Erskine, Second Earl of Mar 1604 and 1606; (HS)
Dominican Friars founded before 1249 by Alexander II; purportedly destroyed by Reformers June 1559; putatively granted to Alexander Erskine of Cangnoir May 1560; secularised 1567, granted to the municipality of Stirling by Queen Mary 15 April 1567, though Erskine retained possession until 1652
Observant Franciscan Friars founded 1494, allegedly by James IV; dissolved or secularised 1559-67; destroyed by Reformers 1559; granted to the magistrates 15 April 1567
The following location in the Stirling Region has no monastic connection:
Ross Priory: mansion named 'Ross', renamed 'Ross Priory' 1810
supposed Trinitarians, located in Cromarty (Highland Region), purportedly founded c. 1271 by Patrick Murray; possibly indicates Greenock, Renfrewshire (or Greenock, East Ayrshire), or Carnwath, Lanarkshire — no monastic house at those locations – probably fictitious
Crennach; Crenwathe
Crusay
Augustinian Canons Regular, alleged foundation in the Western Isles, possible misreading of Oronsay
Molista
nuns of unspecified order — suggested site of a house on the basis of the name: "the town (or house) of the black old women"
Carthusian monks, petition by Archibald, Earl of Douglas, granted by the Pope 5 June 1419 supplication for licence to found a house; projected foundation never implemented
^Aberdeen Red Friars — foundation date 1181 given by Father R. A. Hay, Scotia Sacre (MS.34.1.18 in the National Library of Scotland), p.70
^Banff Greyfriars — Collections for a History of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff (Spalding Club, 1843), p.205
^Forvie Preceptory: Collections for a History of the Shires of Aberdeen and Banff (Spalding Club, 1843), p.217
^Tullich Preceptory — J. Spottiswoode, An account of all the Religious Houses that were in Scotland at the time of the Reformation (included in R. Keith, An Historical Catalogue of the Scottish Bishops (Edinburgh, 1824)), p.435
^Tullich Preceptory — Templaria: Papers relative to the history, privileges and possessions of the Scottish Knights Templars, and their successors the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (1828), pp.5,7; Abstracts of charters and other papers recorded in the chartulary of Torphichen from 1581 to 1596 (Edinburgh, 1830), p.9
^Barry Red Friars – Father R. A. Hay, Diplomatum Veterum Collectio. (MS. 34-1.10 in the National Library of Scotland), iii, p.573
^Brechin Red Friars – Father R. A. Hay, Diplomatum Veterum Collectio. (MS. 34-1.10 in the National Library of Scotland), iii, p.579
^Brechin Red Friars – Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1081
^Dundee Greyfriars — foundation: Joannis de Fordun Scotichronicon cum Supplementis et Continuatione Walteri Boweri, ed. Goodall (Edinburgh, 1759): lib. viii, cap. xxv; ibid, i, 474; J. Spottiswoode, An account of all the Religious Houses that were in Scotland at the time of the Reformation (included in R. Keith, An Historical Catalogue of the Scottish Bishops (Edinburgh, 1824)), p.489
^Dundee Greyfriars — date of building: Documents Illustrative of the History of Scotland 1286-1306, ed. J. Stevenson (Edinburgh, 1870), ii, no.484
^Iona Abbey — Tironensian: conjectured by W. F. Skene, Celtic Scotland, Edinburgh (1867)
^Rothesay Abbey: Ecclesiastical Architecture, iii, p.418
^Texa Cell — Joannis de Fordun Scotichronicon cum Supplementis et Continuatione Walteri Boweri, ed. Goodall (Edinburgh, 1759) lib. ii, cap x; i. p.45
^Dercongal Abbey — Manuscript 33.2.12, National Library of Scotland, gives founder as Devorgilla, daughter of Alan of Galloway; evidently a confusion with Sweetheart Abbey
^Dumfries Blackfriars — Manuscript 22.1.14, 153 f., National Library of Scotland
^Dumfries Blackfriars — erroneous entry in J. Spottiswoode, History of the Church of Scotland (1677 Ed.) Appendix, p.16 (25)
^Dumfries Blackfriars — erroneous reference to Friars Preachers (correctly Friars Minor) in Dumfries list (NX 9776), 1 May 1579 (Registrum Magni Sigilli Scotorum, iv, no.32)
^Dumfries Greyfriars — probably spurious charter of foundation 20 April 1234 by Alan of Galloway cited by Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1268
^Dumfries Greyfriars — foundation date c. 1262 cited by W. Moir Bryce, The Scottish Grey Friars (Edinburgh, 1909), i, p.199
^Dumfries Greyfriars — foundation date before 1305 cited Early Sources of Scottish History 500 to 1268, ed. A. O. Anderson (Edinburgh, 1922) ii, p.479n
^Dumfries Greyfriars — possession by Town Council cited by W. Moir Bryce, The Scottish Grey Friars (Edinburgh, 1909), i, p.214
^Kirkcudbright Blackfriars — Rotuli scaccarii regum scotorum (The Exchequer Rolls of Scotland), ed. J. Stewart and others (Edinburgh, 1878-1908) xiii, p.472: reference 1512 to Friars Preachers of Kirkcudbright
^Kirkcudbright Greyfriars — spurious charter 16 September 1239: Tweedie Manuscript, cited by Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), pp.1431-2
^Edinburgh Preceptory: Reports of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions of Scotland — Edinburgh (1951), p.126, no.75: exaggerated description of property
^Queensferry Whitefriars — foundation 1330/1: J. Spottiswoode, An account of all the Religious Houses that were in Scotland at the time of the Reformation (included in R. Keith, An Historical Catalogue of the Scottish Bishops (Edinburgh, 1824)), p.455
^Queensferry Whitefriars — foundation intimated: purported letter of James Dundas, Laird of Dundas, to the Provincial and Vicar-General of the Camelite order in Scotland — Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1554
^Queensferry Whitefriars — present parish church: Dundas Charters, National Library of Scotland, Mac. xxiv, p.29)
^Dysart Blackfriars — Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1229 - land granted: spurious charter of William Sinclair of Dysart 27 March 1466/7/8 (year partly obscured)
^Inverkeithing Blackfriars — included in Dumfries list and W. Maitland, The History and Antiquities of Scotland (London, 1757), i 262
^Inverkeithing Blackfriars — site granted: Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1224 - charter (undated) "Hugh de Lundey", Lord of the Burgh of Inverkeithing with the consent of Robert de Bruis index Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, edited by T. Dickson and Sir J. Balfour Paul (Edinburgh 1877-1916), ii (though the text refers to 'Frieris of Inverkethin' (most likely the Franciscan Friars)
^Isle of May Monastery: Annals of the Reigns of Malcolm and William, Kings of Scotland, ed. A. C. Lawrie (Glasgow, 1910) states "It is possible that on the Isle of May, in the beginning of the twelfth century, there was a small fraternity of culdees or monks of the old Scottish church"
^Kinghorn Blackfriars — spurious and unreliable charters cited by Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), pp.1228: vague account of foundation - probably spurious charter of benefaction of James de Kirkcaldy 28 September 1388
^ abSt Ninian's Blackfriars — Extracta e Variis Cronicis Scocie (Abbotsford Club 1842) p.249
^Lanark Greyfriars — foundation 1328-9: spurious charter of foundation cited by Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1459
^Lanark Greyfriars — W. Moir Bryce, The Scottish Grey Friars (Edinburgh, 1909), ii, p.149; Reg, Aven, 88, folios 191-IV
^Haddington Blackfriars — destruction: Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1236
^Houston Red Friars — foundation date c. 1220 given by Father R. A. Hay, Diplomatum Veterum Collectio. (MS. 34-1.10 in the National Library of Scotland), iii, p.576; J. Spottiswoode, An account of all the Religious Houses that were in Scotland at the time of the Reformation p.396 (included in R. Keith, An Historical Catalogue of the Scottish Bishops, Edinburgh, 1824)), who located the foundation in Renfrewshire
^St Germains Preceptory — J. Spottiswoode, An account of all the Religious Houses that were in Scotland at the time of the Reformation (included in R. Keith, An Historical Catalogue of the Scottish Bishops (Edinburgh, 1824)), p.435
^Linlithgow Blackfriars — Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1219 – probably spurious charter of John, King of Scots 19 March 1294/5
^'Brough of Birsay Red Friars': Reports of the Royal Commission on Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions of Scotland, Orkney and Shetlands (Edinburgh, 1909-), ii, I, p.3
^Coupar Angus Blackfriars — listed by J. Spottiswoode, History of the Church of Scotland (1677), p.16 (25)
^Coupar Angus Blackfriars — foundation: foundation date and founder unknown: Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie, Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh, suggested founder (p.1241), suggested date (p.1248)
^Forfar Greyfriars — Calendar of Documents relating to Scotland, ed. J. Bain, (Edinburgh, 1881-8), (ii, no. 856) includes reference to such a house; Documents Illustrative of the History of Scotland 1286-1306, ed. J. Stevenson (Edinburgh, 1870), (ii, no. cccclxxxiv, 23 November 1297) shows this to be erroneous
^Tullilum Whitefriars — Registrum Secreti Sigilli Regnum Scotorum, ed. M. Livingstone and others (Edinburgh, 1908— ), V, no.2124
^Ancrum Red Friars — Geographical Collections relating to Scotland made by Walter Macfarlane (SHS, 1906-08), iii, p.158
^Jedburgh Blackfriars — included in Dumfries lists
^Jedburgh Blackfriars — Watson, History of the Franciscan Friary of Jedburgh, HNBC, 1906, p.82
^Roxburgh Greyfriars — foundation: probably spurious charter of foundation 18 October 1232 cited by Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), pp.1281-2
^Roxburgh Greyfriars — destruction: Letters and Papers, foreign and domestic of the reign of Henry VIII ed. by J. S. Brewer and others (London, 1864-1932), xx2 no. 456, 533
^Roxburgh — A. O. Anderson, Early Sources, ii, p.183, note, according to papal legate declaration, and referring to the exemption of the church of St James, synodal and episcopal aids: 'It seems, therefore, to have been occupied by Cistercian monks at this time'
^Selkirk Blackfriars — charter of dubious merit (purportedly bearing the seal of Alexander Maxwell, Archdeacon of 'Tuuedaliae' — if Tweedale: no such archdeaconry, if Teviotdale: no record of archdeacon of that name) cited by Manuscript collections of Father Marianus Brockie (Scottish Catholic Archives, Edinburgh), p.1242
^Oggerstone Preceptory — J. Spottiswoode, An account of all the Religious Houses that were in Scotland at the time of the Reformation (included in R. Keith, An Historical Catalogue of the Scottish Bishops (Edinburgh, 1824)), p.435
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