Isle of May Priory

Isle of May Priory is a medieval monastic community on a Scottish island off the Fife coast. Stone foundations and partial walls remain visible, showing the original layout of the religious settlement.

A Scottish king granted the island to an English monastery in 1145, sending nine monks to establish prayers for the nation's rulers. The monastic community remained active for centuries.

The priory was dedicated to a local saint and drew pilgrims seeking spiritual healing and blessing. The religious purpose shaped how people viewed this remote island for hundreds of years.

The ruins are only accessible by boat from Anstruther harbor, with trips running mainly in warmer months. Sea conditions can be changeable, so warm clothing is advisable.

Excavations uncovered human remains older than the priory itself, showing the island had inhabitants long before the monks arrived. This archaeological layer tells a story reaching back over a thousand years.

Location: Fife

Location: Anstruther Wester

Inception: 1153

GPS coordinates: 56.18253,-2.55128

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:03