Machan or Machanus was a twelfth-century Scottish
saint.
He was educated in
Ireland
Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
and was ordained as a
bishop
A bishop is an ordained clergy member who is entrusted with a position of authority and oversight in a religious institution.
In Christianity, bishops are normally responsible for the governance of dioceses. The role or office of bishop is ...
in
Rome
, established_title = Founded
, established_date = 753 BC
, founder = King Romulus ( legendary)
, image_map = Map of comune of Rome (metropolitan city of Capital Rome, region Lazio, Italy).svg
, map_caption ...
.
He is known for his
missionary
A missionary is a member of a Religious denomination, religious group which is sent into an area in order to promote its faith or provide services to people, such as education, literacy, social justice, health care, and economic development.Tho ...
work around
Clachan of Campsie (or Campsie Glen), near
Glasgow
Glasgow ( ; sco, Glesca or ; gd, Glaschu ) is the most populous city in Scotland and the fourth-most populous city in the United Kingdom, as well as being the 27th largest city by population in Europe. In 2020, it had an estimated pop ...
.
Machan built a small chapel at the bottom of the glen. After his death, in 1175 a church was built over his grave.
In 1859 there was a St. Machan's Well at Campsie, but no trace now remains.
"St Machan's Well", Saints in Scottish Place-Names
/ref>
Most information about St Machan is lost. However, his name remains in the name of the village of Ecclesmachan in West Lothian
West Lothian ( sco, Wast Lowden; gd, Lodainn an Iar) is one of the 32 council areas of Scotland, and was one of its historic counties. The county was called Linlithgowshire until 1925. The historic county was bounded geographically by the Av ...
.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Machan, St
Medieval Scottish saints
1170s deaths
12th-century Scottish Roman Catholic bishops
12th-century Christian saints