Abbeys and Priories in Scotland (G - I)

Glenluce, Dumfries and Galloway Glenluce Abbey Impressive ruined Cistercian monastery, founded around 1190, set in tranquil valley. 16th century Chapter house with part of original tiled floor and water pipes still in place. Visited by Robert the Bruce, James IV and Mary, Queen of Scots. Glenluce, Dumfries and Galloway, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland Location: on minor road 2 m (3 km) NW village of Glenluce on A75 Website: Glenluce Abbey Phone: 01581 300 541 Historic Scotland Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Edinburgh, Lothian Holyrood Abbey Built by David I around 1128 and sacked several times by the English. Roofless nave is all that remains. Some sculpted details, royal burial vault with remains of David II, James II, James V and Lord Darnley. Edinburgh, Lothian, Lothian, Scotland Location: on the grounds of Holyrood Palace, at the end of the Royal Mile Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Inchcolm Island, Central Scotland Inchcolm Abbey Alexander I was stormbound on the island in 1123, and a hermit looked after his needs. In appreciation, Alexander founded an Augustinian abbey on the site. Well-preserved buildings include 13th century octagonal chapter houses, 14th century cloisters and parts of the church. Inchcolm Island, Central Scotland, Central Scotland, Scotland Location: in Firth of Forth, reached by ferry from South Queensferry off A90 just W Edinburgh Phone: 01383 823 332 Historic Scotland Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Aberfoyle, Central Scotland Location map Inchmahome Priory A lovely monastic settlement on an island in the middle of Lake Menteith, Inchmahome was briefly the home of Mary, Queen of Scots. Inchmahome was built in 1238 by Walter Comyn, the earl of Menteith, for a group of Augustinian friars. Lake of Menteith, Stirling, Stirlingshire, Aberfoyle, Central Scotland, Central Scotland, Scotland, FK8 3RA Location: On an island in the middle of Lake Menteith. Access by ferry (seasonal only) from Port of Menteith. Website: Inchmahome Priory Phone: 01877 385294 Historic Scotland Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Iona, Strathclyde Iona Abbey Broken up during the reformation, the abbey has been reconstructed using traditional materials. In 563AD St Columba, an Irish missionary, established a monastery on the island which became a center of Celtic Christianity. St. Aidan set out from here in 636AD to establish Christianity in Northumbria, and the island's religious significance spread throughout Scotland. After 200 years of tranquility, Norse raids put an end to the settlement and destroyed many of the buildings. A Benedictine abbey was founded in the 13th century and was made a cathedral in 1500. A few massive crosses showcase the carving skills of early craftsman. Also on the island are the ruins of an Augustinian nunnery founded in the 13th century and St. Oran's Chapel (oldest building on the island). A story associated with the Chapel is that the walls kept collapsing when being built, and the builders, deciding that a human sacrifice was needed to quiet evil spirits, buried a volunteer (Oran) in the walls. Many of Scotland's early kings and queens, as well as Norse and Irish kings, are buried on the island. Iona, Strathclyde, Strathclyde, Scotland Location: reached by ferry from Oban, then overland by bus or car on Mull Island, then by passenger-only ferry to Iona. http://www.calmac.co.uk/ for Caledonian Ferries and bus information. Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering