Founded between 1140,1162 by Hugh de Morville, Constable of Scotland, who introduced Tyronensian Benedictines from Kelso; it was one of the most opulent and flourishing monasteries in Scotland for nearly four centuries. The last abbot, Gavin Hamilton was killed, 1571; the confiscation and destruction of the abbey soon followed. The Earls of Eglinton are in possession of the ruins.