Inchmahome

The priory was founded in 1238 by the Earl of Menteith, Walter Comyn, for a small community of the Augustinian order (the Black Canons).

The Comyn family were one of the most powerful in Scotland at the time, and had an imposing country house on Inch Talla, one of the other islands on the lake.

His visits were likely politically motivated, as the first abbot had sworn allegiance to Edward I, the English King.

This little island is one of Scotland's shrines; it was here that we can think of Mary Queen of Scots living, for once, happy hour in that first garden of her simpleness.

For example, they state that it was here that she started to learn languages, held a mock court with the Four Marys, planted a box hedge and did needle work.