Welcome to Pluscarden Abbey

 

 

Pluscarden Abbey is the home of a community of Roman Catholic Benedictine monks. It is the only medieval monastery in Britain still inhabited by monks and being used for its original purpose. Situated six miles south-west of Elgin in Moray, the monastery enjoys the peace and stillness of a secluded glen, but is easily reached by road from the town. We thank Albert Paterson for the photo above.

Guests are received in the two guest houses: men and women of all faiths are welcome to make a retreat here and to share in the prayer and work of the community, or simply rest and renew their focus on what is most important.

The atmosphere of quiet reflection and of work dedicated to the glory of God is the same now as it was in the thirteenth century, when a community of monks first came to this part of Moray. If you visit the Abbey today, you can enjoy not only the beauty of its architecture and its setting but also something of the restful atmosphere of devotion that has so deeply permeated this little corner of Scotland.

The Mass and full Divine Office are sung by the monks each day in the Abbey church, using Gregorian Chant.

All our church services are open to the public.

Art Exhibitions: Fr Matthew Tylor OSB

Profound the peace of Pluscarden,
As if the pine-green closing hills
Shut in the grace
Of God and all His holy Saints.
The Lauds and Matins of the past,
In that calm place,
Still seem to linger on the air
Half-heard, half-dreamt, so wholly felt
There is no time,
The soul is raised above the now,
Beyond the then. Eternity
Of faith sublime
Outlasting all the moods of fate
And savage treacheries of man,
To rise again
Triumphant from defeated stone,
And draw within its sanctuary
All human pain.

R.A. Dick

Last updated 19th July 2010