The Nunnery

The Augustinian nunnery was founded at the same time as the Benedictine Abbey and is one of the best-preserved medieval nunneries in Britain. The first prioress was Beathag (in English Beatrice), sister of Reginald who founded both the abbey and nunnery. Much of the ruins date from the 14th century and you can still see some of the fine carved details on the stonework. Like the abbey, it continued in use until the Reformation, after which it fell into decline. However, it continued to be used as a place of burial for women long after this. The garden in what was once the cloister is a particularly tranquil place and it is worth lingering here to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. The nunnery is cared for by Historic Scotland.