Inchmahome Priory

Inchmahome Priory is a historic monastic site located on Inchmahome, the largest of three islands in the Lake of Menteith, near Aberfoyle, Scotland. The priory's name derives from the Gaelic "Innis MoCholmaig," meaning "island of St Colmaig."

Founding and Early History

The priory was established in 1238 by Walter Comyn, Earl of Menteith, a powerful figure in Scotland at the time. He founded it for a small community of the Augustinian order, also known as the Black Canons. Evidence suggests that a church may have existed on the island prior to the priory's establishment.

Royal and Notable Visitors

Throughout its existence, Inchmahome Priory received a number of distinguished guests. King Robert the Bruce visited on three occasions: in 1306, 1308, and 1310, likely for political reasons given the first prior's oath of allegiance to the English king. In 1358, the future King Robert II sought refuge at the priory. A significant event occurred in 1547 when the priory served as a temporary sanctuary for the four-year-old Queen Mary, who was hidden there for several weeks following the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Pinkie.

Decline and Later History

The 16th century marked a period of decline for monastic orders in Scotland. The appointment of priory heads by local landowners, who often had secular interests, contributed to this downturn. Following the Scottish Reformation, the priory's religious function ceased, and its lands and buildings gradually transitioned into secular hands. In 1606, the property passed to the Erskine family and later to the Marquess of Montrose. In 1926, the 6th Duke of Montrose transferred the priory into the care of the State.

Current Status and Accessibility

Today, Inchmahome Priory exists primarily as ruins, though substantial portions of its original 13th-century architecture remain. The site is managed and preserved by Historic Environment Scotland as a scheduled monument. Visitors can access the priory via a boat service operated from the Port of Menteith between March and September.

Burials

Notable figures interred within the priory's ruined chancel include Walter Bailloch and Mary I, Countess of Menteith. The site also features a stone commemorating Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame Graham, nephew and heir of the author and politician Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham, who is also buried there with his wife Gabriela Cunninghame Graham.