Fillan of Pittenweem

Fillan of Pittenweem (c. 695 to c. 770) was an Irish missionary, monk and hermit who spread Christianity in Scotland, especially in Fife. He is not to be confused with Fillan of Munster, of Strath Fillan. By tradition he was born in Ireland, the son of Feriach and Saint Kentigerna, and lived as a hermit in a cave at Pittenweem. Legend says he wrote his sermons in the dark by the light of a luminous left arm given by God. He worked at Aberdour and Forgan and died at the hermitage of Tyrie near Kinghorn. The village of St Fillans, on Loch Earn, bears his name. He is remembered on 20 June.