Alexander I founded this abbey on an island in the middle of the Forth river in Scotland. The Scottish king took refuge on the island in a storm and rewarded the hermit who looked after him with the foundation of a church.

The construction of new church buildings was begun in 1128 at Dunfermline Abbey. The outline of this earlier church can be seen on the floor of the current nave.

The monastery of Holyrood was founded by King David I of Scotland. Tradition has it that the king was hunting in one of the royal forests around the city of Edinburgh when he came across an enraged stag which would have killed him and his horse. The king was some distance in front of his attendants who were unable to help. The king was saved when a cross of brilliant light appeared bewteen himself and animal which turned and fled. Later that night David vowed to build an abbey on the site of the event in thanks for his escape.