Pluscarden Abbey

Pluscarden Abbey
Elgin
Moray IV30 8UA
Scotland

Tel: +44 (0)1343 890257 Fax: +44 (0)1343 890258 monks@pluscardenabbey.org www.pluscardenabbey.org

 

          

Roman Catholic
Pluscarden is unique in being the only mediaeval monastery in Britain still housing a monastic community. The complete Benedictine Divine Office is sung in Latin to Gregorian chant- wonderfully well too. You can buy a CD to take home if you want. The monks do market gardening, book binding, and work with the bees. Year by year the reputation of these most excellent men increases in their gifts of hospitality. If you are a man and want a retreat that is truly monastic in a far place with great depth in the prayer life, then go to Pluscarden. But if all you want is a rest from a troubled and busy world, then go here too for it a place apart.

As to coming here as a woman guest, the story is a little different. First of all, women guests are accommodated in a separate guest-house, St. Scholastic’s, where they cater for themselves – the Abbey provides some basic foodstuffs.

Out of the 26 guests rooms, 12 are in the women’s guesthouse, and two of those have two bunks in each. The guest master monk is very solicitous and as equally concerned about the comfort of the women guests as the men guests. Hospitality and making guests feel at home and relaxed is of great importance at Pluscarden.

With their dedication to prayer and meditative study, all the monks are certainly very gentle of attitude and most welcoming. It is a lively group of men who have made a place of gladness and developed a beautiful liturgy in praise of God. Guests are admitted to the side chapels of the Abbey, and to the ornamental garden in front of St. Benedicts. Facilities include a quite well stocked shop. People who come here normally return. 

Open: All year. Receives everyone (over 16 years of age unless they are accompanied by an adult.). 

Rooms: 26 singles. 2 doubles. 

Facilities: Disabled. Garden, library, guest lounge, guest telephone. House telephone in female retreat quarters is 01343 890 375. 

Spiritual Help: Personal talks. Spiritual counseling. 

Guests Admitted to: Chapel. Church. 

Meals: Men eat together lunch and supper. Otherwise taken in guesthouse. Traditional food. Vegetarians and simple special diets. DIY facilities available. 

Special Activities: Some events. 

Situation: Very far North and very quiet. 

Maximum Stay: 2 weeks. 

Bookings: Letter, telephone, fax, E-mail. Charges: Donations. 

Access: Train: to Elgin. Car: A96, B9010, follow signs.