Pluscarden Abbey is originally a 13th Century monastery which for hundreds of years lay derelict until a group of monks arrived in the late 1940's (1948 I think) and began the process of restoring the Abbey to a working monastery. It has since become a full Benedictine Monastery and a place of deep spirituality, peace and a way of having the space and time to reflect on the important things in life. You can stay at the monastery (men have an accomodation block attached to the monastery and women have a self-catering block only minutes walk away from the monastery. I won't go ito all the details - you can find out for yourself on the website www.pluscardenabbey.org - all I would say is that you do not have to be Catholic or even any sort of "believer" to stay (no one will ever ask). You are not "bothered" or " preached at" or anything like that. You can take part in all, some or none of the services - but, in my opinion, listening to the singing of the Gregorian Chant live is one of the most transformational and beautiful of experiences. You don't even have to understand it. At the present time when many people are questioning the emphasis society has placed on materialism, it is refreshing to know that Pluscarden (and places like it) provide an almost timeless "anchor" point to help us get our internal compass back on track. I discovered Pluscarden in 1992 and have spent a private retreat there every 1 or 2 years. If you have ever beenc urious or wondered about staying at such a place be assured there is no pressure on you, just the chance to take time out, contemplate and learn the value (and yes, the challenge) of silence.