his banchor which, of course, we now know as
Banchory. The term banchor was used to denote a Christian
settlement where was to be found a seat of learning and
instruction. It is the same root from which the city of Bangor
derives its name. Erchard was destined to become a powerful
spiritual force in the valley and one of Ternans greatest
disciples. In the course of time St Ternan ordained him a
presbyter and Merchaid resolved to devote himself to
continuing the work of the ancient father of Christianity in Alba
 St Ninian.

Merchaid is said to have founded the
original church at Kincardine ONeil over which the ruins of
the present medieval church stand. This church was from ancient
times dedicated in the name of its founder, as was the custom. It
was only later, when the church inAlba became Romanised, that
dedications became strictly biblical, often at the expense of the
more ancient dedications! Close by, on the other side of the
road, the reader will still see St Erchards well. Latterly,
the local residents have started to revive the memory of this man
who should be hailed as one of the heroes of the early church and
to celebrate his festival each year on the 24th of
August.

But Merchaid was not destined to stay on
Deeside. He, along with another of Ternans great disciples
St Drostan, followed literally in the footsteps of St Ninian.
Heading northwards he came via the muinnitir at Clova
(close to Lumsden) to that at Dunbeath (Glass). Whilst in
Strathglass he discovered a bell hidden in the ground at the foot
of a certain tree and resolved to end his wanderings and found
his