Inchmahone Priory, near Callander (Stirlingshire)

Summary 13th century buildings (or older) Gift shop Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Picnic area

Introduction

Set on an island in the Lake of Menteith, Inchmahome is an idyllically-situated Augustinian monastery dating from 1238. Much of the 13th century building remains.

There is a wide range of plant and wildlife on the island.

1 April - 30 September Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30 am to last sailing at 4.30 pm
1 October - 31 October Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 9.30 am to last sailing at 3.30 pm

History to the present day

The enchanting ruins of Inchmahome Priory grace the largest of three islands in the Lake of Menteith. The priory was established around 1238 by a small community of Augustinian canons. Their founder and patron was Walter Comyn, Earl of Menteith, whose residence stood on the adjacent island of Inch Talla. The secluded location offered the brethren isolation from the secular world, and tranquillity in which to carry out the worship of God.

The island sanctuary functioned for over 300 years, offering solace not only to the canons but also royal visitors. King Robert Bruce visited three times, and Mary Queen of Scots once, in 1547, when she was five. In 1560, the Protestant Reformation effectively brought monastic life at Inchmahome to an end.

Around 1238, Augustinian canons arrived on the island to establish a monastery. They did so at the behest of the mighty Earl of Menteith, with the agreement of the Bishop of Dunblane. The priory was built on the low-lying eastern half of the island, the earl retaining the west half to compensate for the lack of garden space on Inch Talla.

The canons built their church first. The impressive processional doorway in the west front closely resembles that at Dunblane Cathedral, suggesting that masons may have been brought from there. Other notable features include the bell tower in the nave, and the fine fixtures in the choir, including an unusual three-seat sedilia, used by priests during Mass.

The cloister buildings to the south of the church are now largely ruined. The chapter house in the east range survives well, having been converted to a mausoleum in the 17th century. It now houses a fine collection of carved stones, including the charming double effigy of Walter Stewart (died 1295) and Countess Mary depicted in a loving embrace.

Following the Scots defeat at the Battle of Pinkie (near Edinburgh) in 1547, little Mary Queen of Scots was brought from Stirling Castle to Inchmahome by her mother Marie of Guise for safety. Even though the young queen stayed for just three weeks, there are many stories about her accomplishments during her visit. Her name is still attached to the little box bower in the centre of the island.

Monastic life ended soon after the Protestant Reformation in 1560. A new life as a tourist attraction, began in the 19th century, thanks largely to the writings of Walter Scott and the arrival of the railway. The influx of English visitors even resulted in the change of name – from ‘Loch of Inchmahome’ to ‘Lake of Menteith’! 

Food and Drinks

 Picnic area Available.

Grounds and gardens

The lake and island continue to attract many visitors. A variety of trees and flowers surround the romantic ruined buildings, and in the spring the island is awash with colour. It also attracts fishermen throughout the season.

Other facilities

Bus, coach and car parking available.

Shop closed 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Inchmahone Priory, Stirlingshire, , United Kingdom

Address: Iona Abbey, Isle of Iona, Argyll, PA76 6SN.

Directions: Parking available at the ferry point.

he priory is located on an island in Lake Menteith and is reached by ferry from Port of Menteith 6km east of Aberfoyle off the A81.

Unless capable of getting themselves into and out of the boat, visitors in wheelchairs are not able to visit this property. Once they have reached the Island, those using wheelchairs or with limited mobility can enter the priory grounds and see about half of the church, cloister and refectory areas.

The presbytery, sacristy and warming house are not suitable for visitors with limited mobility.