The Lives of the Scottish Saints

Viktor Nikitin

The Lives of the Scottish Saints

Lives of the Scottish Saints Celebrated in January

1 – St. Ernan:

St. Ernan, a disciple and likely the nephew of St. Columba, is remembered for his holiness and his connection to the great monastic traditions of Ireland and Scotland. Although his exact work in Scotland is unclear, he may have served there for a time under St. Columba. He later became Abbot of Drumhome in Donegal. On the night St. Columba died, Ernan received a vision revealing the saint’s passing. He died at Drumhome in 640 at an advanced age. Churches in Ross-shire and Mull preserve his name.

4 – St. Chroman:

Very little survives about St. Chroman because so many church records were destroyed during the Reformation. What is known is that he lived in Cunningham, Ayrshire, where he was respected during life and honored after death for his great holiness. As he lay dying, he repeatedly prayed the words of Psalm 83: “My soul longs and faints for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God.”

7 – St. Kentigerna:

St. Kentigerna was of Irish noble birth. Her brother, St. Comgan, ruled their father’s territory in Leinster with fairness, but political hostility forced him into exile. Kentigerna, widowed, fled with him to Scotland. Comgan entered monastic life, while Kentigerna embraced the life of a solitary anchoress on an island in Loch Lomond—now known as Innis na Caillich (“Nun’s Island”). There she lived many years in prayer and austerity. The island became the site of the old parish church of Buchanan, dedicated to her. She died in 733, and her feast appears in the Aberdeen Breviary.

11 – St. Suibhne (Sweeney):

St. Suibhne was an abbot of Iona who led the monastery for about three years. He died in great holiness in 656.

14 – St. Kentigern (St. Mungo):

St. Kentigern—more widely known by the affectionate name “Mungo,” meaning “dear one”—was born around 518 of royal blood. Educated by a hermit named Serf at Culross, he later settled at Cathures (now Glasgow), gathering disciples who lived under a monastic rule. Though reluctant, he was made bishop and governed his flock with great zeal. He lived simply, practiced severe self-denial, and remained deeply prayerful.

Driven into exile by an unjust king, he took refuge with St. David in Wales and later founded a monastery at what became St. Asaph’s, where hundreds lived under his discipline. Eventually recalled to Glasgow, he spent the rest of his life preaching, teaching, and strengthening the Christian faith. He died on January 14 in extreme old age, having received the sacraments and urged his followers to charity, peace, and obedience to the Church. His body rests in what is now the crypt of St. Mungo’s Cathedral in Glasgow.

Dedications to St. Mungo are numerous across Scotland and northern England, and several holy wells bear his name. His feast, long kept locally, was extended to all of Scotland by Pope Leo XIII in 1898.

19 – St. Blaithmaic:

St. Blaithmaic, an Irish noble by birth, entered monastic life at a young age and eventually served as abbot. Longing for martyrdom, he repeatedly sought permission to preach to pagan peoples, but was refused. After resigning his abbacy, he joined the community at Iona.

One day he warned the monks—by prophetic insight—of an impending raid by pagan Danes. He urged those unable to face martyrdom to flee. The shrine of St. Columba was hidden, and many monks escaped to safety. The next morning, after Blaithmaic had finished offering Mass, the invaders burst in. They killed the monks but spared him temporarily, demanding he reveal the location of St. Columba’s shrine. He refused, and they killed him at the altar. The monks later returned to bury him. His martyrdom likely occurred around 828.

20 – St. Vigean (St. Fechin):

St. Vigean, whose name survives in the parish of St. Vigean’s in Forfarshire, is the same as the Irish abbot St. Fechin of Fore. He ruled a community of three hundred monks in Westmeath. Though his precise connection to Scotland is uncertain, local traditions and ruins indicate that he lived as a hermit near Arbroath, where the foundations of a small chapel and a sacred well still remain. A fair in his honor was held in Arbroath until the 18th century. The town of Ecclefechan also preserves his name. St. Fechin was buried at Fore.

25 – St. Euchadius:

St. Euchadius was one of the twelve companions who accompanied St. Columba from Ireland to settle on Iona. He helped in converting the Northern Picts and is traditionally credited with writing the Acts of St. Columba. He may have spent time in Galloway, where he received special devotion—perhaps due to relics preserved there.

26 – St. Conan:

St. Conan, born in Ireland, joined the community on Iona, where he became known for purity of life and devotion to the Virgin Mary. He served as tutor to the three sons of King Eugenius IV of Scotland and was eventually made a bishop. His memory is preserved in place-names such as Kilconan in Perthshire and St. Conan’s Well near Dalmally. January 26 was his traditional feast day.

28 – St. Nathalan (Nauchlan):

Born into a noble family at Tullich in Aberdeenshire, St. Nathalan was known from youth for prayer, humility, and voluntary manual labor. Many miracles are attributed to him. During a famine he gave away all his corn, then sowed sand in the fields, which yielded a miraculous harvest. After once giving in to impatience, he imposed a severe penance on himself—walking to Rome with a chain locked around his leg. According to tradition, he later found the key inside a fish purchased in Rome, which he took as a sign his penance was complete.

Ordained a bishop, he returned to Scotland and founded several churches, including one at Tullich, where a carved granite slab believed to be part of his tomb still survives. He also visited Ireland and founded a monastery at Dungiven. He died at Tullich on January 8, 678, at an advanced age. His feast was restored by Pope Leo XIII. Many local sayings, wells, fairs, and place-names preserve his memory.

29 – St. Voloc (Macwoloc):

Probably of Irish origin, St. Voloc came to Scotland to preach the Christian faith and was made a bishop. He embraced a life of great austerity and preached mainly in the north. Living in a simple hut of reeds and wattles, he won many converts by his humility and miracle-working. The churches of Dunmeth and Logie Mar were dedicated to him. Several wells, ruins, and fairs preserve his name, including St. Wallach’s Well and the fair commemorated in the rhyme: “Wala-fair in Logic Mar / The thirtieth day of Januar.”

30 – St. Glascian:

Very little is known of St. Glascian beyond the remnants of his devotion in place-names. He was a bishop of great holiness during the reign of King Achaius, a contemporary of Charlemagne. The parish of Kinglassie in Fife likely derives its name from him, and several wells were dedicated to him. His feast appears in the Aberdeen Breviary.

31 – St. Adamnan of Coldingham:

St. Adamnan lived as a monk under St. Ebba at Coldingham. In his youth he had lived sinfully, but, moved by grace, he sought out an Irish priest, made a full confession, and asked for a life of penance. The priest instructed him to eat only twice a week until he returned—but the priest died before he could come back. Adamnan took this as a sign to persevere in extreme penance for the rest of his life.

He became a monk of Coldingham and later a priest in the community, living many years in prayer, asceticism, and repentance. Before his death he was granted the gift of prophecy, and he died in holiness around 686.

St. Mittan:

Almost nothing is known of St. Mittan except that a fair named for him was held at Kilmadock in Perthshire on January 31, indicating the date of his feast.

* * *

Lives of the Scottish Saints Celebrated in February

1 – St. Darlugdach, Virgin (A.D. 524):

St. Darlugdach was an Irish nun trained in monastic life by St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s greatest saints. Tradition says she visited Scotland during the reign of King Nechtan and served as the leader of a community of religious women attached to a church he built at Abernethy and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Some writers claim that St. Brigid herself led the monastic settlement to Scotland, though this is uncertain. The strong devotion shown to her in the region, along with many churches and holy wells bearing her name, may simply reflect the close early ties between Scotland and Ireland. Relics of St. Brigid were also venerated at Abernethy.

St. Darlugdach eventually returned to Ireland and succeeded St. Brigid as Abbess of Kildare, where she died.

3 – St. Fillan (Faolan), Abbot (8th century):

St. Fillan, son of St. Kentigerna and of Irish birth, is said to have taken the monastic habit at Taghmon in Wexford under St. Fintan-Munnu before coming to Scotland. After spending time with his uncle St. Comgan at Lochalsh—where Killillan (Kilfillan) bears his name—he devoted himself to preaching throughout Perthshire, especially in Strathfillan, which is named after him. He was widely venerated for centuries.

The Scots attributed part of their victory at Bannockburn to the presence of St. Fillan’s arm, carried into battle by the Abbot of Inchaffray. His crozier survives today and is preserved in the National Museum in Edinburgh. It too was revered as a sacred battle standard.

Many places preserve traces of his memory. A small bell once kept at his Strathfillan church now belongs to the Antiquarian Society in Edinburgh. Killallan (originally Kilfillan) in Renfrewshire was named for him; nearby once stood Fillan’s Seat and Fillan’s Well, the latter destroyed in the 18th century by a minister who considered it superstitious. Several holy wells also bore his name at Struan (Perthshire), Largs and Skelmorlie (Ayrshire), Kilfillan (Wigtownshire), and Pittenweem (Fife). Annual fairs called Fillan’s Fair were held in Houston and Struan.

In Strathfillan, the ruins of St. Fillan’s chapel still stand close to the Holy Pool, where people with mental illness were once bathed, seeking healing through his intercession. Sir Walter Scott mentions it in *Marmion*. His feast was restored to Scotland by Pope Leo XIII.

4 – St. Modan, Abbot (8th century):

St. Modan, son of an Irish chieftain, crossed from Ireland to minister along the west coast of Scotland, where many early settlers were of Irish descent. Near Loch Etive, close to the old Priory of Ardchattan, stand the remains of his first oratory, known as Balmodhan (“St. Modan’s Town”). A spring nearby—St. Modan’s Well—was long a site of pilgrimage, and a flat stone known as St. Modan’s Seat stood close by until destroyed for building material.

The ruins lie in strikingly beautiful surroundings. Their rough stone walls, now overgrown with ash, ivy, and rowan, still mark the site described vividly by Dr. Story in his *St. Modan*.

Another of his churches was at Roseneath (“Promontory of the Sanctuary”) near Loch Long. The ancient burial ground survives, though its holy well has vanished. The site later held a monastery of Canons Regular, long since destroyed.

Kilmodan on Loch Riddon (“Church of Modan”) preserves his name, and other dedications to him appear across Scotland. He is said to have preached as far east as Falkirk and Stirling. After a life of great austerity, he retired to solitude at Roseneath, where he died. Devotion to St. Modan remained strong for centuries, and Scott refers to it in *The Lay of the Last Minstrel*.

7 – St. Ronan, Bishop (A.D. 737):

Dr. Skene believed St. Ronan was a contemporary and companion of St. Modan. Their foundations often appear near each other—Roseneath is close to Kilmaronock with its St. Maronock’s Well, and across Loch Etive from Balmodhan lies Kilmaronog. Both names mean “Church of my little (dear) Ronan,” reflecting common affectionate Celtic naming traditions.

Although surrounded by legend, few firm details of St. Ronan’s life survive. Numerous dedications to him lie on remote isles and secluded coastal areas, suggesting a preference for solitude. Islands such as Ronay near Raasay, Rona northeast of Lewis, and St. Ronan’s Isle in Shetland bear his name. On Iona, the parish church was called Teampull Ronain and the burial ground Cladh Ronain. Tradition says he was Abbot of Kingarth on Bute, where he died in 737.

Holy wells dedicated to him exist at Strowan (Perthshire), Chapelton in Strathdon, and at the Butt of Lewis—where the water was reputed to cure mental illness.

14 – St. Conran:

St. Conran was a seventh-century Bishop of Orkney, known for holiness, zeal, and a life of severe austerity.

17 – St. Finan, Bishop (A.D. 661):

St. Finan, an Irish monk of Iona, was known for prudence, prayer, and deep commitment to God’s will. After St. Aidan’s death, the monks of Iona chose him as Bishop of Lindisfarne. He built a new cathedral there and enshrined St. Aidan’s remains within it.

As bishop, he exemplified simplicity, poverty, and zeal in preaching. He guided King Oswy to repentance for the murder of King Oswin, leading to the founding of churches and monasteries. St. Finan also converted rulers in southern England: Peada of Mercia and Sigebert of the East Saxons were baptized by him and received missionaries from him.

His most enduring contribution was the foundation of the great monastery of Streaneshalch (Whitby), later renowned under Abbess Hilda for holiness and learning. St. Finan died after ten years as bishop and was buried beside St. Aidan. Pope Leo XIII restored his feast to Scotland.

18 – St. Colman, Bishop (A.D. 676):

St. Colman, another Irish monk of Iona, succeeded St. Finan as Bishop of Lindisfarne. His episcopate coincided with the fierce debate over the date of Easter. At Whitby, a synod was convened to settle the issue. St. Wilfrid argued strongly for the Roman method of calculation, and the majority accepted it. St. Colman, still unconvinced because Rome had not formally defined the matter, refused to abandon the tradition of St. Columba and resigned after three years.

He traveled north, founding Fearn church in Forfarshire in honor of St. Aidan and bringing relics from Lindisfarne. He also founded a church at Tarbert in Easter Ross. After a brief return to Iona, he went to Ireland and founded the monastery of Inisbofin for the monks who had left Lindisfarne with him. Later he founded “Mayo of the Saxons” exclusively for English monks. He ruled both until his death on Inisbofin, where he was buried.

St. Colman has sometimes been misrepresented as opposing Roman authority, but this is inaccurate; he simply regarded the issue as unresolved and remained loyal to inherited custom until Rome pronounced definitively. St. Bede, though disagreeing with him on Easter, praised him highly.

Because many saints bore this name, some confusion exists in early records. Scotland honored him on this date, though Irish sources give August 8.

23 – St. Boisil, Confessor (A.D. 664):

St. Boisil was prior of the earlier Melrose Abbey, founded by St. Aidan and following the Columban rule. He served under Abbot Eata, who later also governed Lindisfarne. Boisil was renowned for holiness, wisdom, and prophetic gifts. He welcomed the young St. Cuthbert with joy and became his teacher in Scripture and example in monastic life.

During the terrible Yellow Plague of 664, both Boisil and Cuthbert fell ill. Boisil foretold that Cuthbert would recover while he himself would die. In his final week, he asked Cuthbert to help him finish their study of St. John’s Gospel, after which he died peacefully.

The village of St. Boswell’s preserves his name (a corruption of “Boisil”), and a fair in his honor was long held there on July 18. His holy well also stood nearby.

25 – St. Cumine, Abbot (A.D. 669):

St. Cumine was the seventh Abbot of Iona and one of its most learned and saintly monks. He lived during the time of the Synod of Whitby. He wrote a life of St. Columba—perhaps to defend his sanctity after the synod rejected the Columban Easter calculation. He also wrote an important letter on the Easter controversy, showing deep knowledge of Scripture and patristic teaching.

He is often called Cumine Ailbhe (“the Fair-haired”). His memory survives in Kilchuimein (“Church of Cumine”), the old name for Fort Augustus, still used in Gaelic. Nearby places known as St. Cumine’s Return and St. Cumine’s Seat also preserve his name. Glenelg parish church is dedicated to him.

* * *

Lives of the Scottish Saints Celebrated in March

March 1 – Saint Marnock (Bishop, A.D. 625):

Saint Marnock, originally named Ernin, was a devoted missionary in Moray, Scotland.

Known for his zeal in preaching, he died in Aberchirder, where his shrine became a beloved place of pilgrimage.

Miracles were reported at his relics, and his head was carried in processions for good weather.

Many places in Scotland still bear his name—churches, wells, and fairs—reflecting his enduring influence.

His life reminds us to preach the Gospel faithfully and to trust in God’s power to work miracles.

March 1 – Saint Monan (Martyr, 9th century):

Saint Monan preached the Gospel in Fifeshire and was associated with the church at Abercrombie.

Though sometimes called a martyr, some scholars identify him with St. Moinenn of Ireland.

His relics were translated to Abercrombie, where a church was built in his honor.

His life teaches us perseverance in faith amid danger and the power of holiness to inspire communities.

March 2 – Saint Fergna (Bishop, A.D. 622):

Saint Fergna, related to Saint Columba, became Abbot of Iona.

He sheltered and instructed many young nobles, converting them to Christianity.

Though some question whether he was a bishop, his role as spiritual leader was important.

He shows us the value of nurturing faith in others and the strength found in community.

March 4 – Saint Adrian and Companions (Martyrs, A.D. 875):

Saint Adrian, probably the Irish St. Odhran, fled the Danish invasions and preached in Fifeshire.

He founded a monastery on the Isle of May and was martyred there with many disciples by the Danes.

The island became a place of pilgrimage, honored by kings and pilgrims alike.

Their courage inspires us to remain faithful even when faced with persecution.

March 6 – Saint Baldred (Hermit, A.D. 608):

Disciple of Saint Kentigern and called the Apostle of East Lothian, Saint Baldred lived in prayer and penance on Bass Rock.

He visited the mainland to preach and died in Aldhame.

Churches, wells, and traditions honor his memory.

He encourages us to seek solitude for prayer but also to serve the community with love.

March 6 – Saint Cadroe (Abbot, A.D. 937):

Saint Cadroe was connected to the royal family of Strathclyde and was educated in Ireland.

He devoted himself to training priests, lived as a pilgrim, and served as abbot in France, reforming monasteries.

He died in Metz, after a life marked by holiness and miracles.

His life shows the importance of education, pilgrimage, and reform in the Church.

March 8 – Saint Duthac (Bishop, A.D. 1068):

Born in Scotland but educated in Ireland, Saint Duthac served as bishop in Moray and Ross.

Known for hearing confessions and many miracles, his incorrupt body became a focus of pilgrimage.

Places and fairs in Scotland still bear his name.

He reminds us of the healing power of confession and the importance of pastoral care.

March 10 – Saint Failhbe II (Abbot, A.D. 745):

One of the abbots of Iona, Saint Failhbe ruled the monastery for seven years and died at age seventy.

His leadership contributed to the spiritual strength of the monastic community.

We learn from him the value of faithful stewardship and humble service.

March 10 – Saint Kessog (Bishop and Martyr, A.D. 560):

Saint Kessog, originally from Ireland, ministered in the Lennox area of Scotland.

His retreat was Monk’s Island on Loch Lomond, and tradition says he was martyred near Luss.

His name is linked to many places, and he is remembered as a protector of soldiers.

His life calls us to courage in faith and care for all God’s people.

March 11 – Saint Constantine (King and Martyr, A.D. 590):

A king of Cornwall turned monk and missionary, Saint Constantine founded a monastery at Govan.

He preached Christianity in surrounding regions and was martyred for his faith.

Churches and places in Scotland bear his name.

He teaches us that no past sin is beyond God’s mercy and that true leadership serves God.

March 12 – Saint Indrecht (Abbot and Martyr, A.D. 854):

Saint Indrecht, abbot of Iona, was martyred by Saxons on his way to Rome.

His life is a testament to courage in the face of danger and faithfulness to the pilgrimage of the Christian life.

March 12 – Saint Fechno (Confessor, A.D. 580):

One of Saint Columba’s twelve disciples, Saint Fechno was born in Ireland and lived under Columba’s guidance.

Miracles occurred at his tomb, testifying to his holiness.

His example shows the fruit of faithful discipleship and holiness lived in community.

March 16 – Saint Finan (Abbot, about A.D. 575):

Called “The Leper,” Saint Finan evangelized parts of Argyllshire.

Buried on Eilean Finan, an island in Loch Shiel, he is remembered for missionary work and holy fairs in his name.

He encourages us to serve God despite personal trials.

March 16 – Saint Charmaig (about A.D. 640):

Saint Charmaig was honored in the Hebrides and is patron of the church of Keills.

Remains of chapels named for him exist, and traditions preserve his memory.

His life calls us to steadfast faith in the face of challenges.

March 16 – Saint Boniface (Bishop, 8th century):

Often confused with legendary tales, Saint Boniface was likely the Irish Curitan who promoted the Roman observance of Easter in Scotland.

He founded churches dedicated to St. Peter and became bishop of Ross.

His life teaches obedience to Church unity and the power of reform.

March 17 – Saint Patrick (Bishop, A.D. 493):

Though associated with Ireland, many scholars believe Saint Patrick was born in Scotland near Dumbarton.

Numerous churches and parishes in Scotland honor him, and fairs were held on his feast day.

Saint Patrick reminds us of the power of conversion and missionary zeal.

March 18 – Saint Finian (Bishop, A.D. 660):

Possibly a Welsh disciple of Saint Kentigern, Saint Finian is patron of churches in Aberdeenshire.

His name survives in place names and fairs.

His life calls us to faithful evangelization and pastoral care.

March 18 – Saint Comman (A.D. 688):

Brother of Saint Cumine, Saint Comman was a monk at Iona.

The parish of Kilchoman, Islay, bears his name.

His example shows the value of family dedication and monastic life.

March 20 – Saint Cuthbert (Bishop, A.D. 687):

Born in Northumbria, Saint Cuthbert was a shepherd who received a vision that led him to the monastic life.

He became prior of Melrose and later Lindisfarne, known for his humility, charity, and miracles.

After death, his incorrupt body became an object of pilgrimage, especially in Durham.

Many Scottish churches bear his name, and fairs and wells commemorate him.

His life teaches devotion, humility, and pastoral zeal.

March 22 – Saint Finian (Wynnin, or Frigidian) (Bishop, A.D. 579):

Saint Finian, born in Ireland of royal lineage, was educated at Whithorn and trained many disciples, including Saint Columba.

He journeyed to Italy and became bishop of Lucca, performing miracles such as diverting a river.

He also lived in Ayrshire, Scotland, where his name and holy wells survive.

His feast is celebrated in March or September.

His life is an example of missionary zeal and holiness across cultures.

March 30 – Saint Olaf (King and Martyr, A.D. 1030):

Son of the King of Norway, Saint Olaf became Christian early and worked to free his country from paganism and foreign domination.

He was slain in battle by rebellious subjects but remembered for his faith and penance.

His body was found incorrupt, and miracles confirmed his sainthood.