Saint who founded Scotland's first monastery

SAINT Ninian, or Bishop Ninian, is the earliest known Scottish saint.

He founded the first monastery in Scotland at Whithorn in the territory of the Britons.

Much of Ninian's life remains a mystery, but judging from his name he is thought to have been a Briton, who was an early an exponent of the Roman Church, perhaps after receiving training in Rome, rather than the early Celtic Church with its strong ties to Ireland.

He was concerned with the implementation of Christianity north of Hadrian's Wall at a time when most of the Caledonian Tribes were still pagan.

After studying in Rome he is said to have established an episcopal see at the Candida Casa in Whithorn. It was from there that he was supposed to have converted the southern picts to Christianity.

It is said that he is buried at Whithorn.

Variations of the story add that his father was a Christian King.

Other versions of the story assert that he left for Ireland, and died there in 432.

His influence is still felt today with many schools named after him in the areas of Scotland and were once associated with the Picts.