Kinloss Abbey was founded by King David I in 1150. While on a hunting expedition the King lost his way in a thick wood and in answer to his prayers, he received the guidance of a white dove. By following the dove he was led to open ground where two shepherds tending their flocks gave him food and shelter. During the night he was warned in a dream that he should erect a chapel in honour of the 'Blessed Virgin' who had led him to safety. On waking from his sleep and recalling his dream the King resolved to act on it and, drawing his sword, he marked out on the ground the lines of the chapel that he vowed to erect.

The former Royal Air Force station at Kinloss opened on 1 April 1939 and served as a training establishment during the Second World War. During the early part of the War a special plot was set aside at Kinloss Abbey for service war burials of RAF personnel.

A Cross of Sacrifice stands at the far end of the plot overlooking the graves.

Until 2010 RAF Kinloss was the main base for the RAF's fleet of Nimrod MR2 patrol aircraft. The intention was that the MR2 would be replaced by the Nimrod MRA4, but the MRA4 was cancelled in the Strategic Defence and Security Review of October 2010 meaning that RAF Kinloss was no longer required by the RAF.

Regular flying operations ceased on 31 July 2011 and on 26 July 2012 at 1200 the RAF Ensign was lowered for the last time.