I have two deeds dated in 1539-40, and 1541, granted by "William
Commendator and Usufructuar of Culross, and John be the permission of
God Abbot of that ilk, and Convent of the samyn," signed, "VILLELMUS
Commendatarius de Culross, JOHANNES COLVILE Abbas," and by "Frater
Johannes Christeson," and the other brethren of the convent. Another
deed, dated 20th March 1564-5, is signed by William Commendator, &c.,
along with the brethren of the Convent; John Colville, Abbot, having
probably died before this. William Commendator of Culross filled the
office of Comptroller from 1546 to 1550. His name occurs among the
signatures to the Book of Discipline, see page 258. That the
Commendator as well as the Abbot was a Colville might be shown from
several incidental notices. One instance may suffice; in the Register
of Signatures, there is recorded the Confirmation of a pension of £61,
6s. 8d., and "twenty bollis rynnand met of quheit, granted by umquhill
WILLIAME Commendator of Culross, and Convent thairof, TO MAISTER
ROBERT COLVILL BROTHER TO THE SAID UMQUHILL COMMENDATOR," 15th April
1569.