Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 32 on 13/04/2007.

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When the saints came marching in

Gilly Pickup looks at a few places connected with Scotland’s saints

Saint Columba, Iona
Of all the Dark Age Scottish saints, Columba is the most famous A-lister. In 563AD he left Ireland with 12 companions to cross the wild sea in a hide-covered wickerwork currach to settle with the Gaels of Dál Riata.

He was granted the Island of Iona to found his monastery and was useful as far as the Gaelic warrior kings were concerned, because his monastery meant their sons could be educated. Besides, he was a close friend to the king, serving in a diplomatic capacity to the king’s neighbours in Pictland and Ireland and like many saints of his day, was credited with performing miracles.

One of the most famous is said to have happened when he visited Inverness to convert Pictish King Brude. Brude had no intention of listening to him and the castle doors were bolted barring him entry.

Columba was made of sterner stuff and undeterred, made the sign of the cross.

The doors flew open. King Brude was well impressed and immediately converted to Christianity.

Records give us an insight into Columba’s character, citing him as generous, warmhearted, kind to humans and animals.

Nevertheless, he would have remained an enigmatic figure were it not for Adomnán, ninth Abbot of Iona, who wrote The Life of Columba giving the saint’s reputation a boost, elevating him to celebrity status while at the same time spreading Iona’s fame across Christendom. So the power of PR worked even in those days.

Saint Mungo (also called Saint Kentigern), Glasgow
His name from Gael.....

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By Gilly Pickup

Section : Scotland Towns

Page number : 54