Columba of Cornwall was a 6th-century saint born to pagan royalty, likely in Lothian. After experiencing a vision of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, she converted to Christianity and committed to a life of virginity. Her refusal to enter pagan temples or marry a prince as arranged by her parents led to her imprisonment and eventual martyrdom. She is traditionally believed to have been executed at Ruthvoes in Cornwall, where she was beheaded by a local king.