- This event has passed.
St Ninian
September 16
A 5th century British bishop and apostle in Whithorn and Galloway, St Ninian is traditionally also known as the ‘Apostle of the Picts.’
A number of inscribed Christian stones have been discovered by archeologists around Galloway, which indicate that St Ninian lived there. Bede refers to him living at a monastery in the area near a church painted white. An anonymous 8th century poet wrote about him and the 12th century Ailred of Rievaulx wrote a life of this Scottish saint.
His shrine was a popular pilgrimage place for centuries, surviving up to the Reformation. By that time his cult had also spread to Kent and Denmark. In recent years pilgrims have again begun returning to Whithorn, and a special pilgrimage takes place on the last Sunday of August. Since 1984, excavations have revealed a site of major importance.
Read more about Whithorn and St Ninian here: www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-place/places/whithorn-priory-and-museum/