All pages in this Past and Present section were taken from a book published by the Abbey Press at Fort Augustus. it was sold by them for one shilling and sixpence (old money). Publication date is unknown. 

SAINT BENEDICT’S ABBEY

FORT AUGUSTUS

THE picturesque pile of buildings at the head of Loch Ness cannot fail to attract the attention of the tourist who has been led by the prospect of a sail through some of the most beautiful scenery of the Highlands to embark on a Caledonian Canal Steamer at Inverness en route for Oban. On a clear day it is possible to distinguish the group of towers, pinnacles and high-pitched roofs, backed by mountain scenery, as the steamer crosses from Foyers Pier towards Invermoriston. Thence, as the steamer draws nearer, the long, grey front, half veiled with ivy, and rising from embowering trees, becomes more and more evident ; the calm water in the fore-ground, the heather-clad hills around, and the background of distant purple mountain peaks, combine to form a picture or unique charm. No traveller with an eye for so rare a combination of natural and artistic beauties, but is roused to interest. Very few who pass by fail to evince such interest by enquiry as to the why and wherefore of this stately structure.
The buildings comprise the Benedictine Abbey of Fort Augustus, the only foundation of the kind in Scotland. For the information of those who may feel sufficiently interested to know more about the institution in question, this little manual has been drawn up.