Inchmahome there was a church on the island before the priory was established. The priory has a long history of receiving many notable guests. King Robert the Bruce visited three times, in 1306, 1308 and 1310. His visits were likely politically motivated, as the first abbot had sworn allegiance to Edward I, the English King. In 1358 the future King Robert II also stayed at the priory. In 1547 the priory served as a refuge for Mary, Queen of Scots, aged four, hidden here for a few weeks following the disastrous defeat of the Scots army at the Battle of Pinkie
Christopher Seton letter of excommunication was issued naming the Earl of Carrick and three other knights, Sir Alexander Lindsay, Sir Christopher and his brother John Seton as John Comyn's murderers. Seton was also present at the coronation of his brother in-law King Robert I, King of Scots, at Scone on 25–26 March 1306. Some accounts have him present at the Battle of Methven on 19 June 1306 but Duncan places him at Loch Doon Castle, an important castle for the Earls of Carrick and one of three that Robert tried to hang on to, but Loch Doon fell about 14 August. Loch