One of the ironies in Christian history, or at least in its common understanding, is that St. Patrick, the evangelist of Ireland, was a Scot from The Borders and that today's feast day honoree, Columba, the evangelist of Scotland, was Irish. For most this is no matter, as many people cannot recognize the difference between the Scots and the Irish any more than they can between the Slovenians and the Slovakians. Suffice it to say, Columba's holy witness not only brought to the Gospel the people of the northern kingdom, but also provided a monastery system which enabled and protected education during the 6th century.
Of course, the most lasting of his contributions was the monastery on Iona, an isle off the Scottish coast that is still a site of Christian pilgrimage and tourism. More on Columba may be found here.
O God, who by the preaching of your blessed servant Columba caused the light of the Gospel to shine in Scotland: Grant, we pray, that, having his life and labors in remembrance, we may show our thankfulness to you by following the example of his zeal and patience; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.