Ursulines...

In 1834, Bishop James Gillis founded the first post-Reformation Convent in Scotland.

For most of its history this was known as St Margaret's Convent and run by Ursuline nuns.

My sister-in-law, sadly passed away at far too early an age, although not a Catholic, went to school here. Although she had a very respectable career as a Theatre Sister, her academic achievements at school were minimal. My mother-in-law used to dread meeting with the sisters for a progress report. They always said the same thing. "But Sheila is a good child". This was so far from being the truth that it made you wonder about the insight of the dear nuns. Sheila was always an adventurous daredevil!

The Ursuline nuns were founded in 1535 at Brescia, Italy, by St. Angela Merici (ca. 1474-1540), for the education of girls and the care of the sick and needy. Their patron saint is, of course, Saint Ursula. Until recently, there were two nuns left in a house in the grounds here - one very old, being cared for by a younger one.