Kinloss Abbey

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.