On Monday 8th September, Feast of our Lady's Birthday and 77th anniversary of the resumption of monastic observance at Pluscarden, our postulant Philip Thomson was clothed as a novice.

He has taken the name Br. Cassian.

As is usual for us, he first did a trial month, then entered to spend 6 months living and working in the community as a postulant. The novitiate lasts for 2 years: during that time the novice is free to depart.

Br. Cassian is from SW Scotland, and holds a degree in Philosophy from Aberdeen University.