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(Created page with "{{AdministrativeSubdivision | subdivision_name = Scotland | country = United Kingdom | continent = Europe | region = Northern Europe | area_sq_km = 77901 | population = 5470000 | catholic_population = 723000 | catholic_percentage = 13.3 | rank_among_religions = 2 | official_languages = English, Scottish Gaelic, Scots | capital_city = Edinburgh | date_catholicism_introduced = 5th century | catholicism_status = Minority religion | ecclesiastical_provinces_cou...")
 
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{{AdministrativeSubdivision
{{Country
  | subdivision_name = Scotland
  | country_name = Scotland
| country = United Kingdom
  | continent = Europe
  | continent = Europe
  | region = Northern Europe
  | region = Northern Europe
  | area_sq_km = 77901
  | area_sq_km = 77933
  | population = 5470000
  | population = 5500000
  | catholic_population = 723000
  | catholic_population = 700000
  | catholic_percentage = 13.3
  | catholic_percentage = 12.7
  | rank_among_religions = 2
  | rank_among_religions = 2
  | official_languages = English, Scottish Gaelic, Scots
  | official_languages = English, Scottish Gaelic, Scots
  | capital_city = Edinburgh
  | capital_city = Edinburgh
  | date_catholicism_introduced = 5th century
  | date_catholicism_introduced = 4th century AD
  | catholicism_status = Minority religion
  | catholicism_status = Minority religion; largest after Church of Scotland
  | ecclesiastical_provinces_count = 2
  | ecclesiastical_provinces_count = 2
  | dioceses_count = 8
  | dioceses_count = 8
  | patron_saints = Saint Andrew, Saint Columba, Saint Margaret of Scotland
  | patron_saints = Saint Andrew, Saint Margaret of Scotland, Saint Columba
  | historic = No
  | historic = No
}}
}}


'''Scotland''' is a country constituting the northern third of the island of Great Britain within the [[United Kingdom]], covering 77,901 square kilometres of land.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scotland Facts |url=https://www.scotland.org/about-scotland/our-country/facts-and-figures |publisher=Scotland.org |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> With a population of approximately 5.47 million as of mid-2022 estimates, it is bordered to the south by England and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and Irish Sea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> The capital is Edinburgh, while Glasgow is the largest city. Official languages are English, Scottish Gaelic, and Scots. Scotland's economy blends traditional sectors like fishing and whisky production with modern industries including renewable energy and tourism.
'''Scotland''' is a nation in Northern Europe forming the northern third of the island of Great Britain, covering 77,933 square kilometres and bordered by England to the south and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, North Sea, and Irish Sea.<ref>{{Cite web |title=United Kingdom |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-kingdom/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> As of 2025, it has an estimated population of 5.5 million, with official languages including English, Scottish Gaelic, and Scots; its capital is Edinburgh and largest city Glasgow. Scotland’s economy blends renewable energy, whisky production, tourism, and financial services, while its culture features Highland games, ceilidhs, and tartan traditions.


The [[Catholic Church]] in Scotland, comprising about 723,000 adherents or 13.3% of the population according to the 2022 census, represents the second-largest religious group after the Church of Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2022 Census: Religion |url=https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/census-results/at-a-glance/religion/ |publisher=National Records of Scotland |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Catholicism arrived in the 5th century through early Christian missions and became the dominant faith for over a millennium until the Reformation in 1560. Though now a minority, it retains significant cultural influence, particularly in the west and among communities of Irish descent. Patron saints include [[Saint Andrew]] (national patron, feast 30 November), [[Saint Columba]], and [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]]. Key sites such as [[Iona Abbey]] and [[Whithorn]] mark early evangelisation, while modern pilgrimage draws to places like [[St Andrews Cathedral (ruins)]].
The [[Catholic Church]] has shaped Scottish identity for over 1,500 years. Introduced in the 4th century AD by Roman soldiers and consolidated in the 6th–7th centuries through Irish missionaries such as [[Saint Columba]], Catholicism remained the established faith until the Protestant Reformation of 1560.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Suppressed for centuries, it revived in the 19th century with Irish immigration and was formally re-established in 1878. Today approximately 700,000 Scots (12.7 %) identify as Catholic, making it the second-largest Christian denomination after the Church of Scotland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Scotland (2022 census) |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Patron saints include [[Saint Andrew]] (feast 30 November), whose X-shaped cross forms the Saltire flag, [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]] (queen and reformer, canonised 1250), and [[Saint Columba]] (missionary to the Picts).
 
Catholic heritage is visible in pilgrimage routes to [[St Andrews Cathedral]] (once housing Andrew’s relics), the national Marian shrine at [[Carfin Grotto]], and historic sites such as [[Pluscarden Abbey]]. The Church operates 450 parishes, numerous schools, and charities, contributing to education and social justice in line with [[Catholic Social Teaching]].


== Geography ==
== Geography ==
Scotland occupies the northern 77,933 km² of Great Britain, with a rugged coastline of 9,900 km, mountainous Highlands, fertile Lowlands, and over 790 islands including the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=United Kingdom – Geography |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-kingdom/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Its temperate oceanic climate brings frequent rain supporting lochs (e.g., Loch Ness, Loch Lomond) and glens. Major cities include Edinburgh (capital), Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee.


Scotland occupies the northern part of Great Britain, spanning 77,901 square kilometres of land, with a varied landscape of Highlands, Lowlands, and over 790 islands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Geography of Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> It borders England to the south, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and north, and the North Sea to the east. Major features include Ben Nevis (highest peak at 1,345 metres), Loch Lomond, and Loch Ness. The climate is temperate oceanic, with mild winters and cool summers influenced by the North Atlantic Drift.
Catholic communities thrive along ancient pilgrimage paths such as the Way of St Andrews, linking Glasgow, Edinburgh, and St Andrews. Highland geography once sheltered clandestine Masses during penal times; today island dioceses serve remote Catholic populations in Barra and South Uist.
 
Catholic communities thrive along historic pilgrimage routes, such as the path to Whithorn (associated with [[Saint Ninian]]) and the islands of the Hebrides, where Gaelic-speaking Catholics preserve traditions. Coastal and island geography facilitated early missionary voyages from Ireland, strengthening ties to the Hiberno-Scottish mission.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
Christianity reached Roman Scotland in the 4th century; [[Saint Ninian]] (c. 360–432) evangelised the southern Picts from Whithorn. Irish monks led by [[Saint Columba]] founded [[Iona Abbey]] in 563, converting northern Picts. By the 11th century Queen [[Saint Margaret]] reformed the Celtic Church toward Roman practice.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Christianity in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


Christianity reached southern Scotland during Roman occupation, but organised Catholicism emerged in the 5th–7th centuries via missions from Ireland and Britain. [[Saint Ninian]] (c. 360–432) established a church at Whithorn, while [[Saint Columba]] founded Iona Abbey in 563, converting Picts and Scots.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Christianity in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Christianity_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> By the 11th century, Queen [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]] reformed the Church, aligning it with Roman practices.
Medieval Scotland boasted 13 dioceses under two archbishops (St Andrews, Glasgow). The 1560 Reformation Parliament abolished papal authority; iconoclasm destroyed abbeys. Catholicism survived underground in the Highlands and among nobles. Penal laws (1560–1829) banned Mass; priests trained abroad at Scots Colleges in Rome, Paris, and Douai.


The medieval Church flourished with dioceses and abbeys until the 1560 Reformation Parliament outlawed Catholicism. Persecution followed, but underground "heather priests" sustained faith, especially in Highlands and islands. Irish immigration in the 19th century revived numbers, leading to hierarchy restoration in 1878.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
Catholic Emancipation (1829) and 19th-century Irish immigration swelled numbers. Pope Leo XIII restored the hierarchy in 1878. The 20th century saw ecumenical progress; post-Vatican II the Church engaged social issues.


== Demographics ==
== Demographics ==
 
Scotland’s 5.5 million residents are ethnically 84 % Scottish, 8 % other British, 4 % Polish, and growing Asian communities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=United Kingdom – People |url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/united-kingdom/ |publisher=CIA World Factbook |date=2024-12-01 |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> The 2022 census recorded 13.3 % Catholic (c. 700,000), concentrated in West Central Scotland (Glasgow, Lanarkshire) and Highland islands. Weekly Mass attendance is c. 150,000.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish Household Survey 2023 |url=https://www.gov.scot/publications/scottish-household-survey-2023/ |publisher=Scottish Government |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
As of the 2022 census, Scotland's population is 5.47 million, with 723,000 identifying as Catholic (13.3%), down from 15.9% in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Majority of people in Scotland have no religion, census shows |url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/may/21/majority-of-people-in-scotland-do-not-believe-in-any-religion-census-shows |publisher=The Guardian |date=2024-05-21 |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Catholicism ranks second among religions, behind the Church of Scotland (20.4%). Catholics are concentrated in west-central Scotland (e.g., Glasgow, Inverclyde) and parts of the Highlands, often linked to Irish heritage. Trends show declining affiliation amid rising "no religion" responses (51.1%).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scotland’s Census – religion results |url=https://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/news-and-events/scotland-s-census-religion-ethnic-group-language-and-national-identity-results/ |publisher=National Records of Scotland |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>


== Catholic church ==
== Catholic church ==
 
The Catholic Church in Scotland belongs to the universal Church under the Pope, coordinated locally by the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland. It comprises two ecclesiastical provinces with eight dioceses and c. 450 parishes.
The Catholic Church in Scotland, part of the worldwide Church under the Pope, is overseen by the Bishops' Conference of Scotland. It operates 2 ecclesiastical provinces, 8 dioceses, and approximately 450 parishes, with membership in the regional episcopal conference.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Scotland |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/GB.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-05-24 |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref> Institutions include schools, hospitals, and charities like SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund).


=== Structure ===
=== Structure ===
* '''Province of St Andrews & Edinburgh''' (metropolitan: [[Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh|Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh]], Edinburgh)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Great Britain |url=https://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/GB.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-01-22 |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
** [[Diocese of Aberdeen]] (Aberdeen)
** [[Diocese of Argyll and the Isles]] (Oban)
** [[Diocese of Dunkeld]] (Dundee)
** [[Diocese of Galloway]] (Ayr)


The Church is organised into two ecclesiastical provinces, each led by a metropolitan archdiocese.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of Catholic dioceses in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Catholic_dioceses_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
* '''Province of Glasgow''' (metropolitan: [[Archdiocese of Glasgow]])
** [[Diocese of Motherwell]] (Motherwell)
** [[Diocese of Paisley]] (Paisley)


* '''Province of St Andrews and Edinburgh''' (Metropolitan: [[Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh]] – Edinburgh)
The Military Ordinariate serves Catholic armed-forces personnel.
  ** [[Diocese of Aberdeen]] (Aberdeen)
  ** [[Diocese of Argyll and the Isles]] (Oban)
  ** [[Diocese of Dunkeld]] (Dundee)
  ** [[Diocese of Galloway]] (Ayr)


* '''Province of Glasgow''' (Metropolitan: [[Archdiocese of Glasgow]] – Glasgow)
== Saints ==
  ** [[Diocese of Motherwell]] (Motherwell)
{{SaintsByCountry|Location=Scotland}}
  ** [[Diocese of Paisley]] (Paisley)


== Introduction of Catholicism ==
== Introduction of Catholicism ==
 
Evidence suggests Christianity arrived with Roman legions in the 2nd–4th centuries; [[Saint Ninian]] established Candida
Catholicism was introduced in the 5th century, with evidence suggesting early Roman-era contacts but firm establishment via [[Saint Ninian]]'s mission at Whithorn (c. 397) to southern Picts. The Hiberno-Scottish mission, led by [[Saint Columba]] from Iona in 563, converted northern Picts and Scots, founding monasteries that spread Celtic Christianity.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
== Key historical events ==
 
* c. 397: [[Saint Ninian]] dedicates Candida Casa at Whithorn.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scotland, The Catholic Church in |url=https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/scotland-catholic-church |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
* 563: [[Saint Columba]] founds Iona Abbey.
* 1070: [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]] begins Church reforms.
* 1560: Reformation Parliament bans Mass.
* 1878: Pope Leo XIII restores hierarchy.
* 1976: [[Saint John Ogilvie]] canonised (Reformation martyr).
 
== Catholicism status ==
 
Catholicism is a minority religion in modern Scotland, with 13.3% adherence and no official state status. Historically dominant until 1560, it faced suppression post-Reformation but revived via 19th-century immigration. Today, it enjoys full legal freedom, contributing to society while navigating secular trends.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Religion in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
== Administrative structure ==
 
The first-level administrative subdivisions are the primary geographical and administrative units into which Scotland is divided for purposes of governance, regional organization, and local administration. Scotland is divided into 32 council areas (e.g., Glasgow City, Highland, Edinburgh), each managed by a unitary authority handling education, social services, and planning. These replaced former regions in 1996 and vary in size from urban Glasgow to rural islands.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotland#Government_and_politics |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
== History ==
 
=== Predecessor entities ===
 
Scotland emerged from Pictish kingdoms (e.g., Fortriu), the Gaelic kingdom of Dál Riata, and Brittonic Strathclyde, unified under Kenneth MacAlpin (Cináed mac Ailpín) c. 843 as the Kingdom of Alba.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
=== Successor entities ===
 
Scotland retains its identity within the United Kingdom (1707 Acts of Union) and devolved Scottish Parliament (1999).
 
== Cultural influence ==
 
=== Festivals and traditions ===
 
Catholics celebrate [[Saint Andrew]]'s Day (30 November) with Masses and ceilidhs; Easter and Christmas processions occur in Glasgow.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
=== Education and charity ===
 
The Church operates over 370 state-funded Catholic schools, educating 20% of pupils, plus charities like SCIAF aiding global development.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Scottish Catholic Education |url=https://sces.uk.com/ |publisher=SCES |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
=== Art and architecture ===
 
Gothic cathedrals like St Mary's (Edinburgh) and Pluscarden Abbey reflect heritage; stained glass and icons depict saints.
 
== Notable Catholic sites ==
 
=== Pilgrimage sites ===
 
Whithorn ([[Saint Ninian]]), Iona ([[Saint Columba]]), and St Andrews attract thousands annually.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pilgrimage in Scotland |url=https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/faith-spirituality/pilgrimage/ |publisher=VisitScotland |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
=== Historical churches ===
 
[[Glasgow Cathedral]] (pre-Reformation), St Margaret's Chapel (Edinburgh Castle, 12th century).
 
== Saints and blesseds ==
 
=== Patron saints ===
 
[[Saint Andrew]] (national), [[Saint Columba]], [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Patron saints of Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints_of_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
=== Associated saints and blesseds ===
 
* [[Saint Ninian]] (c. 360–432), apostle to southern Picts; hagiographic accounts credit Whithorn foundation.
* [[Saint Columba]] (521–597), missionary from Ireland; founded Iona.
* [[Saint Margaret of Scotland]] (c. 1045–1093), queen; canonised 1250 by Pope Innocent IV for piety and reforms.
* [[Saint John Ogilvie]] (1579–1615), Jesuit martyr; canonised 1976 by Pope Paul VI.
 
Evidence suggests associations for others (e.g., [[Saint Kentigern]]), but verification limited to traditions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of saints of Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_saints_of_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
== Challenges to Catholicism ==
 
Secularisation, declining attendance (184,000 regular Mass-goers pre-COVID), and historical anti-Catholic sentiment persist. The Church responds via youth programmes and ecumenism.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Catholic Church in Scotland |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church_in_Scotland |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=2025-11-03}}</ref>
 
== Social and political influence ==
 
The Church advocates on life issues, poverty, and education, aligning with [[Catholic Social Teaching]] through lobbying and Caritas-inspired works.
 
== References ==
<references />
 
== External links ==
* {{Cite web |title=Official Website of the Scottish Catholic Church |url=https://www.scottishcatholic.org.uk/ |publisher=Bishops' Conference of Scotland |access-date=2025-11-03}}
* {{Cite web |title=Catholic Dioceses in Scotland |url=http://www.gcatholic.org/dioceses/country/GB.htm |publisher=GCatholic.org |date=2025-05-24 |access-date=2025-11-03}}
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