Deer Abbey, Monastery ruins in Old Deer, Scotland
Description
Deer Abbey is a monastery ruin near Old Deer in Aberdeenshire, consisting of stone remains that show the foundations of a cruciform church and preserved walls of other monastic buildings. The remains give a sense of the spatial layout of a typical Cistercian monastery with its different functional areas.
History
William Comyn, Earl of Buchan, founded the monastery in 1219 as a daughter house of Kinloss Abbey, bringing Cistercian monks to this site. The monastery flourished over centuries as an important religious and economic center in the Aberdeenshire region.
Culture
The Book of Deer, a precious medieval manuscript, was once kept in the monastery's library and contains some of the oldest Scottish Gaelic texts. This manuscript shows the important role the monastery played as a center of learning and language preservation.
Practical
The site is freely accessible with open paths through the ruins where visitors can explore the structures at their own pace. It is advisable to wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for weather conditions, as the site is entirely outdoors.
Did you know?
A neoclassical gatehouse with a portico built from reclaimed abbey stones marks the entrance to the enclosed grounds, showing how local materials were repurposed in creative ways. This blend of medieval ruins and later architectural additions gives the place an unexpected layering of time.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Aberdeenshire).
Trump International Golf Links, Scotland
7.9 km
Aikey Brae
1.4 km
Aden Country Park
1.5 km
Formartine and Buchan Way
9.1 km
Maud Junction railway station
4.3 km
Fedderate Castle
7.4 km
Crimond Church
12.1 km
Strichen Stone Circle
7.1 km
Catto Long Barrow
12.1 km
Strichen, High Street, Town Hall
7.4 km
Berrybrae
10.8 km
Loudon Wood stone circle
1.8 km
Aberdeenshire Farming Museum
1.3 km
New Pitsligo, High Street, St John's Church
11.6 km
Longside, Old Parish Church
6.9 km
Mormond White Horse
8.6 km
Longside, 15 Inn Brae, Parish Church With Gateway And Burial Ground
6.9 km
Glenugie Bridge
5.9 km
Old Deer, Abbey Bridge
227 m
Church Of Deer, Old Deer
1.1 km
Strichen Old Bridge
7.7 km
New Bridge of Gaval
4.5 km
Estate Bridge, Aden House Policies
1.2 km
Pitfour House Estate, North East Bridge
1.4 km
Aden House
1.2 km
Auchlee
7.3 km
Aden House, Stables
1.3 km
Bridge of Rora
7.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes