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Monastic ruins in the care of a village
Kinloss Abbey is located approximately 5 km east of the town of Forres, Moray County. It was founded by King David I in 1150 as a home for the Cistercian monks, who were brought from Melrose Abbey in the south of the country. In 1187 the diocese of the Bishop of Moray was founded. In medieval times the Abbey played an important role because of its location and its hospital work. According to legend, King David I was on a hunting trip in Duffus Castle when a white dove led him to a clearing. There he found starving, cold shepherds and offered them food and shelter. The Scottish monarch understood this to be the work of the Virgin, in whose honor he built the chapel that was eventually to become this abbey.
During the era of Scottish religious reform, the abbey was sold to Alexander Brodie of Lethem, a nobleman from the area. Today, next to these ruins is the small cemetery. Both constructions are under the care of an association formed by all the villagers, who with some government aid care for these amazing ruins, which again have not received all the attention and recognition they should have had. Touring the site is free of charge, with nothing more than a suggested donation for visitors.
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