Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery and Tibetan Centre

Founded in 1967 as the first Tibetan Buddhist centre in the West and now a major international monastery and teaching centre. The site is in Eskdalemuir, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. It was founded in 1967 by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Akong Tulku Rinpoche and named after Tibet’s first monastery, Samye.

Kagyu Samye Ling was founded in 1967 by Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and Akong Tulku Rinpoche. The centre takes its name from Samye, the first monastery in Tibet, and its founders established a Tibetan Buddhist community in the Scottish Borders at a time when such institutions were rare in the West. It developed into a monastery, retreat and teaching centre with Tibetan-style sacred buildings.

Its importance lies in living Buddhist practice and its pioneering role in the transmission of Tibetan Buddhism in Europe. Architecturally, the site is associated with Tibetan Buddhist monastic architecture. The site continues to function religiously as well as historically.

Visitors should expect worship and community use to take priority over sightseeing, and should consult the official website for current opening arrangements, service times and any access restrictions.