The Book of Deer is a most interesting relic of the monks, which was discovered in 1857 in the Cambridge University library by Henry Bradshaw.

It is a small manuscript of the Gospels in the Vulgate, fragments of the liturgy of the Celtic church, and notes, in the Gaelic script of the 12th century, referring to the charters of the ancient monastery, including a summary of that granted by David I of Scotland.

It was edited by John Stuart for the Spalding Club, by whom it was published in 1869 under the title The Book of Deer (Leabhar Dhèir in Gaelic).

[2] In 1218 William Comyn, earl of Buchan, founded the Abbey of St Mary of Deer, now in ruins, 3⁄4 mile (1.2 km) farther up the river than the monastery and on the opposite bank.

The parish is rich in antiquities, but the most noted of them is the Stone of Deer, a sculptured block of syenite, which stood near the abbey; it was destroyed in 1854.

[8] Aikey Brae stone circle lies between Maud and Old Deer on the summit of Parkhouse Hill.