Scottish monasteries were religious communities established during the early Middle Ages, primarily by Celtic and Anglo-Saxon monks. These monasteries served as centers of worship, education, and agriculture, playing a crucial role in the spread of Christianity throughout Scotland. Notable examples include Iona Abbey, founded by St. Columba in the 6th century, which became a significant pilgrimage site. Many Scottish monasteries were built in remote locations, allowing monks to live a life of contemplation and prayer. They contributed to the preservation of knowledge through the copying of manuscripts and the establishment of schools. Over time, many monasteries were dissolved or fell into ruin, particularly during the Reformation.