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Old Deer - History

Old Deer, although very much smaller than New Deer, can undoubtably be considered the 'capital' of this area. It was during the time of the Reformation that this large parish was divided into two. It was St Drostan who, finding his way to this rich and fertile area, founded the Celtic monastery of Deer (approximately 520 AD). Although St Drostan was himself a Pict he enjoyed a considerable following amonst the Celtic monks. It was these Celtic monks who contributed (in Gaelic) to the impressive manuscript now known as the Book of Deer. This remarkable piece of Scotland's heritage was discovered in the 1850's in the library of Cambridge University in England. Gilbert Chisholm, one of the monks of Deer, became the first post-Reformation minister of this ancient parish. The present church, which was built in 1788, stands just in the foreground of the ruins of the pre-Reformation church. Although presenting a scenic and tranquil sight today, this area witnessed considerable conflict between Episcopalian and Presbyterian factions, which raged on for almost 150 years. The Episcopalian faction received much support from the Jacobite heritors of the parish. So fierce were the opposing views that on one occasion the minister who was to be ordained into the tery of Deer was forced to abandon the proceedings! Visitors today however can enjoy the pleasing sight of the little Episcopalian church of St Drostan situated in the High Street, the parish church of Deer on the opposite side Last updated April 2000 © Scottish Towns