Biography
Cathan
About Cathan
Cathan is remembered as an early churchman associated with Kingarth on the Isle of Bute. Tradition says that he came from Ireland and established a religious community there.
The account makes him the uncle and teacher of Blane, who later succeeded him at Kingarth.
No detailed life is preserved. His name survives in local places and church dedications.
Competing traditions place his burial in Ireland and on Bute. They may refer to different people of the same name, so neither location establishes a secure death place for this record.
Wondering how to weigh the stories and sources? Learn how to read a saint biography.