Saints in Scottish Place-Names
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Fittick of Nigg, aka Photinus
Introduction
Paul records a fair in Torry on 2nd June associated with 'St Fotin (Potin)'(Paul 1917, 167). The fair day may have been chosen because of the (probably incorrect) identification of Fittick with Photinus of Lyon. Scottish calendars celebrate Photinus in December, perhaps suggesting it is not Photinus of Lyon, but a different, perhaps insular, saint that lies behind Fittick. This would further be suggested by his commemoration recorded in the 16th century by Pont in the place-name S:Mofytacsness (Pont MS 11 in Stone 1989, 82) naming the promotory at Ness. This form of the saint's name, Mo + Fittick, is not usually encountered with non-insular saints. There is a S. Futtach in the Dunkeld Litany under confessors and monks (Forbes, Kalendars, lxi) For more on Photinus, and on Fiacre, with whom Fittick was also mistakenly confused, see Ab. Brev. (Macquarrie), 14,200,359,409.
Gender
Male
Related Saints
Belongs to the group Fittick, Photinus (ns) (certain)
Sometimes confused with Photinus of Lyons (certain)
The Church of Nigg, which is connected with St Fittick, is mentioned in 1495 in association with a St Photinus, and Nigg is connected with Photinus in the Aberdeen Breviary.
Related Personal Names
Name
Fittick (certain)
Name
Photinus (certain)
Feast days
Day of Year
June 2
Notes
Paul records a fair in Torry on 2nd June associated with 'St Fotin (Potin)'. The fair day may have been chosen because of the (probably incorrect) identification of Fittick with Photinus of Lyon. Scottish calendars celebrate Photinus in December, suggesting is not Photinus of Lyon, but perhaps a native saint that lies behind Fittick
Saint in place-names
Names
Place known as | Name (plus degree of certainty that this saint is commemorated here) |
St Fittick's Bay, Nigg KCD | St Fittick's Bay (certain) |
St Fittick's Church, Nigg KCD | St Fittick's Church (certain) |
St Fittick's Ness, Nigg KCD | St Fittick's Ness (certain) |
St Fittick's Well, Nigg | St Fittick's Well (certain) |