St Serf's Inch Priory

St Serf's Inch Priory, also referred to as Portmoak Priory, stands as one of Scotland's most historically significant Christian sites, with origins tracing back to a church dedication in 838 AD. Initially, it was associated with a Scottish Céli Dé establishment, allegedly founded by Bruide, son of Dargart, King of the Picts. The site's transformation into an Augustinian Priory occurred in 1150, instigated by King David I of Scotland and linked to St Andrews Cathedral Priory. This transition saw the integration of the existing Scottish monks, with those unwilling to join facing expulsion.

Historical Context and Development

The priory is believed to have been dedicated to St Serb, also known as Servanus. Historical indications suggest the earlier Scottish establishment possessed a substantial collection of writings, though much of this collection is now lost or exists only in Latin translations. The Augustinian priory flourished for over four centuries. Among its most distinguished figures was the chronicler Andrew de Wyntoun, who likely composed his "Orygynale Cronykil of Scotland" while residing at Loch Leven. By the 15th century, the priory began to be known as "Portmoak," possibly signifying a partial relocation of the canons from the island location. Following the resignation of its last prior, the priory was granted by the Protestant King James VI of Scotland to St Leonard's College in St Andrews. Eventually, the priory's structures were repurposed, with evidence suggesting it was later converted into a fishing hut or bothy.

Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeological excavations at the site, conducted in various phases since 1877, have yielded significant insights into the priory's past. In 2011, 2012, and 2017, excavations revealed the foundations of a twelfth-century church measuring approximately 27 by 9.25 feet with walls 2.5 feet thick, featuring archways on its east and west ends. West of the church, the remains of a larger structure, measuring 83 by 22 feet with walls over 5 feet thick, were discovered, along with burials within the area. The site also showed evidence of a series of large concentric oval enclosures, with the largest, measuring 200 by 110 meters, thought to be the sanctuary of the eighth-century monastery. Further findings included remnants of roads, areas of light industry or occupation, medieval pottery sherds, iron artifacts, copper-alloy fragments, and a Neolithic flint arrowhead. Evidence of an outer ditch, dating to the twelfth century, and compacted organic material suggest the presence of a fish pond. Small earthworks to the south and east are believed to be the remnants of turf-built cellular buildings and corn-drying kilns. The site is currently protected as a scheduled monument.