Restenneth Priory
The ruined priory church of Restenneth near Forfar, its tower begun about 1100, where Robert the Bruce buried his young son.
A mile and a half east of Forfar, in the fields, the roofless church of Restenneth Priory stands among its gravestones, its square tower topped by a slender spire.
It is one of the oldest churches in Scotland: the lowest part of the tower, perhaps a porch of about 1100, was standing in the reign of King Alexander, who ruled from 1107 to 1124, and there may have been a church on the site even earlier.
Later in the twelfth century it became a priory of Augustinian canons, and its layout is the best surviving example in Scotland of a small priory of that kind. Robert the Bruce buried his young son John here. The priory suffered in the wars with England, and by 1501 only two canons remained; it was dissolved at the Reformation.
A short path leads from the lane to the ruins, free to wander at any time.
Free, at any time.
A short path leads from the lane to the ruins in the fields.
- Where
- Off the B9113, a mile and a half east of Forfar.
- Looked after by
- Historic Environment Scotland.
In the fields a mile and a half east of Forfar.
Forfar CastleThe hill where Forfar's royal castle stood, its old market cross now a lookout tower.2 miles5 min by road
Murton Farm & Nature ReserveA farm, tearoom and nature reserve near Forfar.4 miles6 min by road
Aberlemno Pictish Stones5 miles9 min by road
Pitmuies Gardens7 miles12 min by road
The Eassie StoneA Pictish cross-slab of the late 600s at Eassie.9 miles15 min by road
Places to stay near the priory, and when each is next free.
Scotland, in print.
Every photograph commissioned, every word written by somebody who went. Printed twice a year, made in Scotland.
For further reading, before you go.