St Machar
November 12
Bishop. This Sixth century saint was an Irish nobleman who was baptised by St Colman. Later he became a monk and a disciple of St Columba on Iona. He is said to have evangelised Mull and Aberdeen. St Machar’s Cathedral in Aberdeen is named in his honour.
A stone carved with a Celtic cross – a clear indication of the site’s Celtic roots – believed to have been associated with the original building is now on display in the church. For centuries, water from St Machar’s well was used for baptisms in the Cathedral. A few other dedications to him survive in this part of Scotland.