Explore the history
Explore Ardchattan Priory with our photo gallery.
Ardchattan Priory was founded by Duncan MacDougall, Lord of Lorn and builder of Dunstaffnage Castle. The MacDougalls dominated the priory for most of its active life.
Valliscaulian communities were small, with no more than 20 monks allowed, and Ardchattan was no different. By 1538 there were just six monks in residence, and by the Reformation in 1560, numbers were down to three.
In 1602, Archibald Campbell, the son of Bishop John Campbell, acquired the priory and began to turn it into a private house. The old refectory is still the family dining room.
The MacDougall Cross is among the grave markers and carved stones on display. The cross depicts both a crucifixion scene, and The Virgin and Child.