Page 21 - LOTN Autumn Issue 48 2021

FAITH AND CULTURE
On pilgrimage in the North of Scotland

BY JANE COLL

efore Covid appeared and upset all our plans, the
Scottish Episcopal church had declared that
2021 would be "The Year of the Pilgrim". So it
Bseemed fitting for the Northern Pilgrims’ Way
Group to hold three promotional events during the year
to raise awareness of their project – re-establishing the
medieval pilgrimage route between St Duthac’s Collegiate
Church, Tain and St Magnus’ Cathedral, Kirkwall. They
planned events in Tain on 29th May, Thurso on 3rd July
and Kirkwall on 20th August. Each event was to follow a
similar pattern – a religious service, information on the
project and light refreshments. The Thurso event would
be slightly different as it would be held in the ruined St
Peter’s Kirk. To emphasise that pilgrimages are part of the
common Christian heritage, all local churches were invited
to the events and a different denomination was asked to
lead each one – Episcopal in Tain, Catholic in Thurso and
Church of Scotland in Kirkwall. Then along came Covid!
After much debate and studying of seating plans to ensure
the correct social distancing, the Tain event went ahead.
Despite the limited numbers, the event was a success. The
service was led by the Episcopal Primus for Scotland, Bishop
Mark Strange, with Fr Domenico of St Ninian’s, Inverness
representing Bishop Hugh Gilbert OSB and several local
clergy in attendance. The secular world was represented by the
Lord Lieutenants for Sutherland and Ross-shire, the newly-
elected MSP, Marie Todd, and several Highland Councillors. Pilgrims’ Way logo on them.
The weather was kind to us and refreshments were provided Orkney already has the St Magnus Way pilgrimage route
outside, allowing for the guests to mingle and to admire the and a map and leaflets on it were on display alongside those of
information panel showing the route of the pilgrimage way – the Northern Pilgrims’ Way. Both routes begin and end at St
donated by the group for permanent display at the entrance to Magnus Cathedral. In the words of Harvey Johnston:
the church’s graveyard.
Sadly, the Thurso event was not so fortunate and had to be But we’re not in competition
cancelled at the last minute due to stricter Covid regulations. Pilgrims’ Ways are all the rage
However, by the time of the Kirkwall event, most restrictions Let’s promote religious tourists
had been lifted and we were able to meet on the feast day of St In this brand-new Pilgrim-age.
Rognvald (nephew of Magnus and builder of the cathedral) in
the East Church. Here, all eight members of Kirkwall Council The day’s events were rounded off most suitably by a visit to
of Churches, plus a visiting Catholic bishop and the Moderator the cathedral, where we were shown, among other things, the
of the Church of Scotland, took part in the service. This pillar containing the relics of St Magnus.
was the first time that they had been able to gather together For more information on the route, visit:
since March 2020 and the sense of joy and comradeship was www.northernpilgrimsway.co.uk .
palpable. Again, the secular world was represented by local If you are reading this and wondering – "But what is a
councillors and the Lord Lieutenant. (An aside – all three Lord pilgrimage anyway – how does it differ from a long-distance
Lieutenants are actually ladies. Is it not time to find a new walk?", here are two definitions used during the Kirkwall
title!) The convenor of Orkney event.
Islands council, Harvey Johnston, "Pilgrimage is a journey where the destination is ultimately
also took part in the service, the same as that from which you set out. Through it, you are
reading his poem composed for asking God to show you your life, your home, your place, in
the occasion. The service was a new light."(Rev Julia Meason, minister of the East Church,
followed by lunch in the church Kirkwall)
hall, provided by the ladies of the "Reliving past lives in order to live better in the future" (a
churches. Stars of the lunch table fellow participant)
Cupcake with the Northern
Pilgrims' Way logo were cupcakes with the Northern Jane Coll is the secretary of the Northern Pilgrims' Way
steering group
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