Saint Duthac facts for kids
Saint Duthac (also known as Duthus or Duthak) was an important Scottish saint who lived from 1000 to 1065. He is especially known as the patron saint of Tain, a town in Scotland. People believe he was born in Scotland, studied in Ireland, and later passed away in Tain.
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The Story of Saint Duthac
Saint Duthac was a highly respected figure in his time. Records from the Aberdeen Breviary say he was a native Scot. It is believed that he received his education in Ireland. He then returned to Scotland, where he died in Tain in 1065. His death is even noted in the "Annals of Ulster," a collection of historical records.
His Chapel and Sanctuary
A special chapel was built in Tain to honor Saint Duthac. This chapel also became a sanctuary, a safe place for people. It was created in the 1200s by Ferchar mac in tSagairt, who was the first Earl of Ross. Monks from Fearn Abbey looked after the sanctuary.
This sanctuary became famous for a sad event. In the 1300s, supporters of England captured Robert the Bruce's wife, daughter, and sisters. They had been seeking safety inside the chapel. Later, the chapel was burned down during fights between powerful groups, like the Clan MacKay and the Clan Ross. The ruins of this old chapel can still be seen today. They stand in the St Duthus Old Burial Ground, near the Dornoch Firth.
His Lasting Legacy
Saint Duthac was greatly admired across Scotland. His memory lives on in many ways, including in the names of places. For example, you can find places like Kilduthie, Arduthie near Stonehaven, and Kilduich on Loch Duich. Tain, where he is said to have died, has a church built in his honor.
Many years after his death, people found his body had not decayed. This was seen as a miracle. His relics (parts of his body or belongings) were then moved to a shrine. This shrine was in the St. Duthus Collegiate Church, built between 1370 and 1458. The ruins of this church still stand. However, the relics disappeared around 1560, during the time of the Scottish Reformation.
Honoring Saint Duthac
Saint Duthac was known as the Chief Confessor of Ireland and Scotland. His special day, or feast day, is celebrated on March 8. His shrine was a very popular place for pilgrims to visit. Important people like King James IV and Robert the Bruce with his family visited the shrine many times.
The town of Tain was even called Baile Dhubhthaich in Scottish Gaelic, which means Duthac's Town. Near Tain, you can find St. Duthac's Cairn, a pile of stones built to mark a place. Although the special fairs held every two years in his name are no longer celebrated in the town.
