Saint Drostan honoured with new plaque at New Aberdour beach in Aberdeenshire
A new plaque has been unveiled honouring Saint Drostan.
An event was held at New Aberdour beach, where it has been placed, to mark the occasion.
It was coordinated by the local community council, with chairman Bill Pitt in attendance for an ecumenical ceremony conducted by Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Banff Parish Priest, Father Bruno Murphy, who led the blessing and dedication to St Drostan.
Interim Moderator of St Drostan’s Church, Ruth Mackenzie led the reflections.
Music was provided by Beyond Boyndie, alongside members of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Banff and with local musicians, Barbara-Ann and Peter Hawkey.
The new plaque, which was unveiled by MP Seamus Logan, is sited at the well associated with the Saint where he is reputed to have healed people.
St Drostan was born in Ireland and as a disciple of St Columba became the Abbot of Deer in Buchan. His feast day is July 11, which coincided with the new plaque ceremony.
MP Seamus Logan said: “I was pleased to be invited to this ceremony recognising the important work and historical significance of our Aberdeenshire Saint.
“Local archaeologist, Corrine Cox, gave a very interesting overview of Saint Drostan, with some background on how he came to Aberdeenshire and his life as the Abbot, while the music and singing was most moving and atmospheric in such a beautiful setting at New Aberdour.
“We were joined by quite a sizeable crowd of holiday makers at the beach enjoying the excellent weather.
“My thanks go to Bill and the local community council for their work in arranging this event and organising the plaque.”