Saint Machar

Saint Machar, an Irish-born Bishop active in Scotland during the 6th century, was a significant figure in early Christian missionary work. He came to Iona with Saint Columba and later preached among the Picts around Aberdeen. Although he is traditionally described as the first Bishop of the see of Aberdeen, this title may be anachronistic. Machar’s legend includes the claim that he served as Archbishop of Tours under Gregory the Great in his final years; however, this story lacks historical support. A well-known feature associated with Saint Machar is a water source from his well, which was used for baptism in Aberdeen Cathedral. Several dedications survive from areas where Machar ministered, but their exact connection to him remains uncertain due to the late compilation of much of what is known about him.