Pluscarden Abbey, Elgin, United Kingdom

Pluscarden Abbey is a Roman Catholic Benedictine monastery in the glen of the Black Burn, 6 miles south-west of Elgin. It was founded in 1230 by Alexander II for the Valliscaulian Order.

In 1454, following a merger with the priory of Urquhart, Pluscarden Priory became a Benedictine House. The Scottish Reformation saw the decline of the priory, and by 1680 it was in a ruinous condition. Some work to arrest decay took place in the late 19th century. In 1948, the priory became a house of the Subiaco Cassinese Congregation of Benedictines, and restoration began at the hands of monks from Prinknash Abbey in Gloucestershire. In 1966, the priory received its independence from the mother-house; it was elevated to abbatial status in 1974.

The abbey welcomes guests, and occasionally conducts formal retreats. Silence is generally observed in the church, refectory and other monastic areas. Guests often help with the manual work of the abbey.

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User Reviews

Alex Watson (11 months ago)
Fantastic visit to Pluscarden Abbey. Tucked away from the mad world, this is as tranquil as it gets. Great well maintained car ? parking area with good clean toilets ?. A short walk to the Abbey.

Stephen Grant (11 months ago)
Absolutely stunning here and the history is ??. Went twice whilst staying in Hopeman for a week.

Andy (13 months ago)
I just wanted to Capture the Most Epic Aurora with this Beautiful Abbey in my local Area, I was so happy to have a chance to do it

Jeffery Smithwick (13 months ago)
We visited during the celebration of mass on Tuesday at 9:00. We are Protestants so we could not follow the service order. However, the service was good and we respected their activity.

Neil Mapes (16 months ago)
We went to Prime at 0900, arrived to the bells ringing. Such a beautiful experience. Got chatting with a stone mason after and a nice wee shop experience with great books.

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