Drostan facts for kids

Saint Drostan (died in the early 600s), also known as Drustan, was an important religious leader. He founded a monastery at a place called Old Deer in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. His holy remains were later moved to a church in New Aberdour, and a special holy well is nearby.

Who Was Saint Drostan?

Drostan was an Irish-Scottish abbot, which is a leader of a monastery. He lived around the year 600 AD. Most of what we know about him comes from two old writings: the "Breviarium Aberdonense" and the "Book of Deer". These two stories don't always agree on every detail.

Drostan was part of a royal family in Scotland. His father's name was Cosgrach. From a young age, Drostan showed a strong interest in religious life. He was sent to be trained by Saint Columba, a very famous saint. Columba taught him and helped him become a monk.

Drostan's Journey with Saint Columba

Drostan was one of twelve friends who sailed from Ireland to Scotland with Saint Columba around 563 AD. These twelve friends were known as the 'Brethren of St Columba'. Drostan went with Saint Columba when he visited a place called Aberdour in Buchan, about 45 miles from Aberdeen.

According to an old Celtic story, Saint Columba, Drostan, and others traveled from Iona to Buchan. They wanted to set up an important center for their religious work. They chose a place called Deer, by the Ugie River. The local chief, called a mormaer, gave them the land. This happened after Saint Columba's prayers helped cure the chief's son from a serious illness.

Founding the Monastery at Old Deer

The Pictish ruler of that area gave them the land for the monastery at Deer. This spot was fourteen miles inland from Aberdour. When Saint Columba went back to Iona, he left Saint Drostan in charge. Drostan became the first abbot of this new monastery. Some stories say the monastery received royal support. This was because it was close to the Pictish capital of Craig Phadrig, near Inverness.

A few years later, the abbot of another monastery, Dalquhongale (also called Holywood), passed away. Saint Drostan was chosen to take his place. However, Drostan later felt he wanted a quieter life. He decided to leave his role as abbot.

A Life of Seclusion and Miracles

Drostan moved further north and became a hermit in Glenesk. A hermit is someone who lives alone, often for religious reasons. His holiness and kindness attracted many poor and needy people. Many amazing things, called miracles, are said to have happened because of him. One story says he helped a priest named Symon regain his eyesight.

Saint Drostan is also believed to have founded the Chapel of St. Tear. This chapel is near Ackergill in Wick parish, on the east coast of Caithness. Some people think the name Tear might be a different way of saying Deer.

Drostan's Legacy

When Saint Drostan died in Glenesk, his remains were brought back to Aberdour. They were placed in a stone coffin. People believed that his bones could miraculously heal the sick. The Breviary of Aberdeen, an old church book, celebrates his feast day on December 15.

The monastery of Old Deer had fallen into disrepair over time. But in 1213, it was rebuilt for Cistercian monks. These monks followed a strict religious life. The monastery continued to operate until the Reformation, a big change in the church in the 1500s.

See also

• Picts