Pope Gregory IX writes to the bishop of Dunkeld noting that the abbot and convent of Dunfermline have made known to him that they had augmented the fabric of the said monastery, not without great expense, and had also enlarged the number of monks; where there used to be thirty, they now have fifty monks. For their sustenance and for the reception of pilgrims they are in need of additional resource. The pope thus commands the bishop that when the first church becomes vacant, he may grant it to them, with the assent of his chapter, so that, saving the sustenance of the vicar, Dunfermling Abbey may be able to retain it for their own uses.