Scottish Blog

Whithorn is the first recorded location of a Christian church in Scotland.

Today, Whithorn is a deceptively small village with little to no indication of its historical significance. It is comprised of roughly 870 inhabitants and it would be fair to say that for the average person, the Whithorn museum is easily the biggest drawing point.

It is generally believed that Saint Ninnian established his Christian monastery and diocese there in roughly 390, although some estimates place it at 397. The Whithorn priory was given the name Candida Casa (translating to “White House”). The church is reputed to have grown to cathedral status and a renowned place of theological thought. It is also the burial place of St Ninina.

By analysing the ruins in the Whithorn priory, along with some historical texts, it is known that the site was also used by the Northumbrians up until the 8th century. In the 12th century the reigning monarch re-instated the use of the Whithorn site as a Scottish Christian church. Although the remains of all three incarnations of the church now lie in ruins on top of each other.

Presently, the Whithorn priory site is a public museum and a general Scottish point of interest. One of the main attractions of the site is one of Scotland’s largest collection of medieval Scottish stones.