ST ANDREW The patron saint of Scotland, even though he was never in the country. It is thought he was the brother of Simon Peter and both were apostles of Jesus. Andrew worked to spread Christianity through Asia Minor and Greece.
St Rule is said to have brought relics of Andrew to Scotland and landed in the place now known as St Andrews. Tradition suggests that St Andrew was put to death on the shape of a cross that is now depicted in the Saltire.
ST COLUMBA Columba left Ireland in AD563 with 13 of his followers and founded the monastery on Iona as a place for prayer and quiet contemplation. From Iona, his missionary work spread out to many parts of Scotland, and the sons of Gaelic warrior kings were educated at the monastery. Columba also became known for his diplomacy between Pictish tribes.
ST NINIAN It is thought Ninian was born in Rome and lived during the fourth century. He travelled to Scotland to bring the message of the gospels and establish the first Christian church at Whithorn in Galloway. AD397 is celebrated as the date he started his missionary work, although no contemporary accounts survive from this time. He is known as Scotland's first saint.
ST NICHOLAS There really was a saint of this name, now identified with Santa Claus. Nicholas was born in the third century in what is now southern Turkey. His parents died when he was young and he used his inheritance to help the poor and the sick. He was especially concerned with the needs of children. Nicholas is now the patron saint of Aberdeen.
The full article contains 352 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
