Dunblane, diocese of

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Dunblane, diocese of. This see in Perthshire was named after Blane (d. c.590), a saint who studied in Ireland and later as bishop preached in Scotland. Dunblane became a bishopric (1162) under David I and the cathedral was built on the site of Blane's monastery. Still with its original 12th-cent. tower, it was largely rebuilt between 1238 and 1258. The roof collapsed at the Reformation and only the choir survives, much restored (1892–1914). Noted for its fine proportions, medieval woodwork, and stained glass, Ruskin remarked of its west window, ‘nothing [is] so perfect in its simplicity and so beautiful’. Robert Leighton (1661–70), whose library of 1,500 volumes was bequeathed to the diocese, was the most celebrated of its bishops. Dunblane is also important for its influential ecumenical centre, Scottish Churches House (1960). The Anglican see was merged with Dunkeld (1776) and with St Andrews (1842).

Revd Dr William M. Marshall

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