Excerpt from The Catholic Church in Scotland: From the Suppression of the Hierarchy, Till the Present Time; Being Memorabilia of the Bishops, Missioners, and Scotch Jesuits

Another Scheme started about this time was the revival of the See of the Isles. The majority of the people who still adhered to the old Religion belonged to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland; and, from the remoteness and the comparatively inaccessible nature of the country, were both protected from the legal penalties which severely oppressed their brethren in the Lowlands. In 1634, Propaganda actually decreed the restoration of this See but the impossibility of finding a Missionary in every way suited to it, proved fatal to the plan. An Irish Franciscan Friar, named Hegarty, was more than once suggested, but, probably, his not being a native of the Highlands, and therefore imperfectly acquainted with their language and habits, was considered to neutralise his qualifications in other respects. F. Hugh Semple, s.j., Rector of the Scotch College at Madrid, bears interesting testimony to the great advantages at one time hoped from this scheme I have desired for many years to see 8. Bishop in the wild Islands of the Hebrides; to instruct and form the Priests, to settle disputes among the Catholics, and to administer the Sacraments of Orders and of Confirmation, distinguished in his preaching, in his life, in his manners, in his influence, and possessing the same authority as the Bishops in Ireland. I am aware that the scheme is opposed by many, from motives of pri vate advantage, or from excess of timidity; but the glory of God, the public good, the custom and the advancement of the Church call for it. I know of no one better fitted for the office than the Prefect of the Franciscans in the Scotch Mission, in whom all the characteristics of a good Pastor are found. I have sent him and his companions some Ecclesiastical ornaments and some alms, and I will do my best every year to relieve his necessities.

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