The Preface
How many of these people do you recognise - Drostan, Fergus, Medan, and Colman; or Erchard, Fumac, Gartnait, and Talorcan; or Magnus, Olaf, Rognvald and Sunniva? Who do you think they are? The answer to this question and more revelations from Scottish Christian antiquity is found in this fascinating book written by John Woodside, “Together in Christ, Following the Northern Saints”.
The modern phenomenon of genealogy drives many to learn more about their roots and antecedents, aided and abetted by modern technology and improved access to historical records and research material. This compilation of stories, legends and biographies of thirty-five holy men and women who spent time in the North of Scotland, many of whom have been lost or expunged in the mists of time, grew out of and belong to the rich DNA of Scottish Christianity, taking the reader on a spiritual and historical journey from the 4th century onwards.
These saints, events and places are part of our Christian inheritance, which only makes sense by placing them in the context and culture of their time. Yet, there is renewed interest in saintly role models whose way of life has relevance for today’s society. Maybe like us, they experienced and were living in the midst of war and terrorism, greed, poverty and homelessness, political uncertainty, dissolution of families and communities, and often a complete disregard of life from conception to cremation.
This compilation is not an academic work. It is a “primer” that enthuses, and draws the reader deeper into the beautiful woven fabric of Northern Scotland’s rich Christian spiritual heritage. It may inspire you to do some saint-searching of your own and discover the Christian genes that inform the history of several peoples who would eventually unite to become the Scottish Nation. The history of Christianity in Scotland continues to develop to this day, and if you want, you too can make a valuable contribution.
“‘Can you tell me who are the local saints here? Wherever I live, I like to know the local saints and ask their prayers.’ We do not want to be a people or a place that has lost its memory or its culture. The Gospel of Christ has long touched our land and its history. It has left its mark in place-names and dedications, holy places and artefacts. It has shaped the hidden landscapes of hearts. It is actively cherished by the many different Christian communities, rural and urban, that are alive today.”
Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB