 A priory was created on an existing Culdee site by Gilbert, Earl of Strathearn and his first known wife Maud d'Aubigny in around 1200.Dedicated to their memory of their first-born son Gilchrist, to the Virgin Mary, and to John the Evangelist, the abbey was granted to the Augustinians of Scone Abbey.The charter survives, and also names the churches of Saint Cathan of Abruthven, Saint Ethernan of Madderty, Saint Patrick of Strogeith, Saint Makkessog of Auchterarder, and Saint Bean of Kinkell.