John Strain (bishop)

John Strain (December 29, 1810 – September 2, 1883) was a Scottish Roman Catholic bishop. He served as Vicar Apostolic of the Eastern District of Scotland from 1864 to 1878, and as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh from 1878 until his death.

Born in Edinburgh, Strain was educated at St Mary's College, Blairs, and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1834.

After serving in various pastoral roles, including at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Edinburgh, he was appointed Vicar Apostolic of the Eastern District of Scotland and titular Bishop of Abila in 1864. He succeeded James Gillis in this role.

In 1878, with the restoration of the Scottish Catholic hierarchy, Strain became the first Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, a position he held until his death in 1883. He is remembered for his work in establishing and strengthening the Catholic Church in Scotland during a period of significant growth and change.