Glenluce Abbey

Glenluce Abbey was a Cistercian monastery that fell into ruins some years after the Scottish Reformation in 1560. It is located near to the village of Glenluce (Scottish Gaelic: Clachan Ghlinn Lus) which is in the historic county of Wigtownshire, Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Siorrachd Bhaile na h-Ùige, Alba). It was founded by Lochlann, (Roland) Lord of Galloway and Constable of Scotland, in about 1190.  Sections of the Abbey are in relatively good condition, for example the chapter house, built around 1500, still has a roof and complete.  An exhibition of objects excavated at the site can be seen by visitors.

Although the Protestant Reformation of 1560 ended the scale of monastic life that had gone on at Glenluce Abbey for 400 years, it did not cease immediately. It is reported that the 15 monks who were living there at the time of the Reformation converted to the reformed religion. As a consequence they were allowed to finish their days at the Abbey. Even as late as 1572 Abbot Thomas and five monks were still there, but the religious life of Glenluce went with their passing. The abbey is located to the north of the Castle of Park and the A75 close to Glenluce village. Further information is available from Historic Environment Scotland - Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba and the link is below.

Image: Glenluce Abbey image is by Francis Grose (c.11 June 1731 – 12 June 1791). In 1788 he began the first of a number of tours of Scotland in order to produce The Antiquities of Scotland where he recorded a number of sites with drawings.

Link: Historic Environment Scotland - Scottish Gaelic: Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba Glenluce Abbey.