On Monday 11 November our new car park was officially opened by the Scottish Government Minister for Culture and Tourism, Fiona Hyslop MSP. A small crowd of our local friends and supporters gathered for that ceremony, including the Lord Lieutenant of Moray, one of the Deputy Lords Lieutenant of Moray, and some representatives of Moray Council and of Visit Scotland. Once the Ribbon had been cut, Fr. Abbot blessed the new site with prayer and holy water.

The construction of this car park, sited in the field between the Abbey Lodge and St. Scholastica's Retreat, has been made possible by a substantial grant of money from the Scottish Government's Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.

In the planning of this project, there has been no thought of attempting to attract more visitors to Pluscarden, or to make money out of their visit; only to cater for the increased numbers we are already experiencing. Nevertheless, a tourist-friendly upgrade has definitely taken place here. The area is surfaced in deep gravel from local quarries. It has space, well marked out, for 30 cars and 2 coaches. There are 2 gazebos, also benches and picnic tables, bins, and portaloo-style toilets. There is also a variety of sign boards, with pictures and information about the Abbey.

The monastery is not in view from the car park, so visitors will still have a fair walk up the drive before actually seeing it.