Pluscarden Abbey

Pluscarden Abbey sits majestically in the Black Burn glen between Elgin and Dallas. It was founded in 13th century by Alexander II, as a Valliscaulian Order, but later merged with Urquhart Priory and became a Benedictine House.

It is an impressive sight, and the abbey has been lovingly restored by resident monks since the 1950s.

Open to the public

The abbey is open to the public every day from 4:30am to 8:30pm and is free of charge. You can walk around the grounds and inside (where permitted). There are superb examples of stained glass, particularly in the east nave.

You can visit the services which occur several times a day and many of these are live-streamed if you want to keep up with them online. The buildings are very photogenic inside and out. Cameras are allowed, but you should be discreet.

Retreats

Pluscarden Abbey offers retreats for anyone wishing to learn more about the order by participating in the monastic life of prayer, reading and work.

Men are accommodated in the Abbey building while women have a purpose built retreat, St Scholastica’s, nearby.

Services

The monks take part in up to nine services every day, starting at 4:30am. These are performed in the church, mainly in Latin, and any of these can be observed from public galleries.

On weekday, mass is at 9am and on Sundays at 8am in English and 10am in Latin. A full schedule can be found on the abbey’s website .

Shop

There is a small shop within the abbey, with books, postcards, calendars, and many objects made by the monks, including leather items, chocolates and other treats.

Facilities

A large car park has recently been made with sheltered picnic tables and toilets. There is also accessible parking and toilets at the abbey.

Pluscarden Abbey gallery