Dedicated to Researching Rosslyn Chapel, The Knights Templar and Scottish Freemasonry

The Scottish Reformation of 1559 eliminated the need for collegiate churches and instead St. Duthac’s was used as a Parish Church until the early 19th century when it became too small for a growing congregation. In 1814 a new parish church was built and St. Duthac’s fell into disuse and the structure deteriorated. During the 1870 a public appeal was made and the building windows and church yard were all restored but it did not again become a parish church and is now used only for memorial purposes.

St Duthac, St Duthus, collegiate churches, Scottish churches, St Duthac Memorial ChurchSt. Duthac’s feast day is held on 8th March the period of his life is unclear. The Annuals of Ulster refer to and abbot of Iona, Dubthach, who apparently died in 937. One Dubthach Albanach is also mentioned and he died in 1065. Other sources suggest that he was alive in the 13th century.

There are seven miracles attributed to him. One relates that when a boy he carried red-hot coals in his clothing but was not singed. A bird of prey, a red kite, stole some meat and a ring from one of his disciples and Duthac had the bird return the ring but allowed it to keep the meat.

After his death St. Duthac was interred in a chapel near the seashore Tain, Ross-shire. Parts the chapel can still be seen. When examined seven years later the body was found to be completely uncorrupted. Exactly when the remains of the saint were moved from the seashore chapel is not known but it is likely to have been soon after the building of the present memorial church was begun about 1400.

Tain, in Gaelic, is Baile Dhubhthaich meaning Duthac’s town. He is commemorated at several other places in Scotland including: Kilduthie, Arduthie and Kilduich.