European monasticism was encouraged by Queen Margaret and her sons. The Cistercians were one of several orders active in Scotland.

Cistercian houses were established away from centres of population. Their buildings were at first plain but became more elaborate. Melrose Abbey (1136) was the first Cistercian house in Scotland. Sweetheart Abbey (1273) was the last of 12 and was sponsored by Devorgilla Baliol, in memory of her husband John.

The Cistercians were notable farmers, especially in sheep farming, though much of the work was done by lay brothers. The Reformation of 1560 took away their lands, their buildings and therefore their wealth. A monastic farm was known as a 'grange' – a place name still apparent today.