Restenneth Priory

Restenneth Priory is an Augustinian monastic site near Forfar whose medieval structures survive as stone ruins. The most striking element is a tower about 14 meters (46 feet) tall with an octagonal spire, while the original choir and nave sections have largely disappeared except for their foundations.

The priory dates back to the early Middle Ages when a Pictish king requested stonemasons from Northumbria to build a church at this location. In 1153 King Malcolm IV placed it under the authority of Jedburgh Abbey, formalizing its role as an Augustinian monastery.

The priory served as a burial place for Scottish nobility and clergy who sought eternal rest within its walls. Visitors can still observe the traces of these graves scattered throughout the ruins.

The ruins sit beside the Angus Archives and are reached via a marked path from the parking area near Forfar. Visitors should expect uneven ground and exposed foundation stones, so sturdy shoes are advisable.

The lower sections of the tower may date to around 710, making it one of the earliest stone structures built in this region. This makes the site valuable for understanding how church building evolved during the transition from Pictish to early medieval Scottish periods.

Location: Angus

Location: Forfar

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 56.65330,-2.84610

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:46