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As a religious centre, Fearn dates back possibly to the 5th Century when St Ninian
conducted a Mission along the East Coast of ALBA (Pictland) during the period 400 - 432
AD, and from his training centre at Whithorn, missionaries, who always wore white coloured
habits, established a Monastery west of Edderton on the road to Ardgay.
Whithorn Priory was one of the most holy places in Scotland having been founded by St Ninian in 397 AD; the first Christian settlement north of Hadrians wall. St Ninian was born in Galloway, and as a young man visited Rome. |
In the 13th century the Abbey was moved to New Fearn. Lock, stock and barrel. Various reasons were given for the move, but it was probable that the Canons were interested in agriculture and that the lands around Fearn were more fertile, and also because it was still within 5 miles of St. Duthac's chapel in Tain. |
In 1336, the Abbey was of rough stone and it was suggested by William, Earl of Ross, that it should be rebuilt. That was begun in 1338 and completed in 1372 |
| Patrick Hamilton, the first martyr of the Reformation in Scotland was commendatory Abbot of Fearn from 1517-1528, although there is no evidence that he actually resided in the area. |
| On the 15th August 1560 the representatives of the Barons of Ross voted with an overwhelming majority for the abolition of the Mass and the supremacy of the Pope, together with the adoption of the Protestant Confession of Faith - and so the Abbey became Protestant. (The Reformation) |
| On Sunday, 10th October, 1742 lightning struck the Abbey during morning Worship and the roof, made of Caithness slabs, fell killing 38 people. They were buried in a communal grave as the separate identities could not be established. As luck would have it, the gentry, having seats in the niches, were saved from the crash as was the minister who "was bowing down under the sounding boards" This accident was apparently predicted by the Brahan Seer who later said that he had seen a mermaid in the morning of that very day washing bloodstains from more than thirty shirts at nearby Loch Slin |
| The Abbey was so badly damaged that it was decided to build another church at right angles to the south west door. Within 30 years both churches were in a ruinous condition that it was decided to re-roof and repair the old Abbey and this work was completed in 1773. |
| Although as much as possible of the old structure was to be used, the intention seems to have been to create a cheerful Presbyterian setting with a Pulpit, without recollection of the days of superstition. |
At the end of the 18th Century, this work was given belated finishing touch by the erection of a large and fine marble mural monument to its instigator, Vice-Admiral Sir John Lockhart Ross who died in 1790 Fearn Abbey is now incorporated into the parish church. |
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| Last Update: 21st April, 2001 |
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