ST/JD/56

Gilbert of Dornoch

Gender

Male

Floruit (period)

None

Floruit date range

? - 1245

Description

Also known as Gilbert of Moray, or Caithness. His parentage is uncertain, any link with the Moray lords of Duffus wanting evidence. Gilbert was appointed bishop of Caithness in 1222 or 1223, moved his episcopal seat away from the previous bishop's church at Halkirk, the scene of the slaughter of his predecessor, to Dornoch, in the south of the diocese. There Gilbert built a new cathedral, at his own expense. He died on 1 April in either 1243 or 1245. The relics of Gilbert at Dornoch came to be venerated. Although he was never formally canonized, his feast is commemorated in the Aberdeen Breviary as a major duplex with an office. See B. E. Crawford, 'Gilbert of Moray', ODNB.