| Administrative History | Born in Auchindryne, Braemar on 28th July, 1747. Began his studies for the priesthood at the Hidden Seminary of Scalan. Continued at the Scots College in Rome where he was ordained in 1772. Returned immediately to Scotland and took charge of the Mission at Strathavon in Banffshire for eight years. Became Rector of the Scots College in Spain from 1780 to 1798. Appointed Coadjutor Bishop (to assist Bishop Hay) in the Lowland Vicariate with the title of Bishop of Maximilianopolis but did not take up his duties in Edinburgh till 1802. Succeeded Hay as Vicar Apostolic, Lowland Vicariate in 1805. Resigned because of poor health in 1825 and died in Edinburgh in 1828.
Alexander Cameron came from a Jacobite family- his father had supported the Stuart cause in the 1715 Rebellion and throughout his early career, Cameron enjoyed the patronage and support of Bonnie Prince Charlies brother, Cardinal Henry Benedict Stuart. A distinguished academic career in Rome was followed by ordination and 8 years pastoral experience in the Mission at Strathaven. For many years he was Rector of the Royal Scots College at Valladolid where despite his reserved manner, he had good and productive relations with influential people in Spanish society. The support and friendship of Campomanes, Governor of the Council of Cadiz was invaluable to the College. For reasons unknown, he remained in Spain for several years after his appointment as Coadjutor to Bishop Hay despite Hays failing health.
From 1802, however, he took virtually sole charge of the Lowland Vicariate, while being scrupulously careful to keep Hay informed about every important development. His priority was to break down anti-Catholic prejudice in Scotland by convincing Government of the loyalty of the Catholic community. Another priority was the training of future priests and he invested time and money on improving the quality of the teaching staff, the accommodation and the supply of books for the Aquhorties Seminary. Catholic chapels need no longer be hidden but they now had to be buildings with some degree of dignity. The best example of this policy was the completion of St. Marys Chapel [now Cathedral] in Edinburgh and the best evidence of the effectiveness of Camerons public relations successes was his own funeral there in 1828, the first public funeral of a Catholic priest for centuries, with full liturgical ceremonial. |