The abbey was founded in 1150 by King David I "in order to extend the benefits of civilisation to the remoter regions under his sway.

Reid introduced organised education, erecting a new fireproof library enriched with volumes belonging to him personally and, in 1537, a new abbot's house.

"[4] While a student in Paris, Robert Reid formed a friendship with John Ferrerius, a native of the Piedmont region in Italy, and in 1528 invited him to Kinloss to serve as an educator.

In 1645 the remaining buildings of the abbey were conveyed to Alexander Brodie of Lethen, who sold the materials for the construction of Oliver Cromwell’s citadel at Inverness.

The remains of the abbey are now situated within a graveyard owned by the local authority, and are therefore accessible at all times.