Opening our hearts to prayer is the first move of a pilgrimage. The second move is towards each other. The third move is towards a highland cow… I’m only half kidding. Participating in pilgrimages has shaped my heart to become more and more like the sacred heart of Jesus. I’ve grown fond of the community of women I have met doing these pilgrimages, although each pilgrimage brings a new cast of characters, some remain the same, and many keep in touch even after the pilgrimage ends. I love this time spent in intentionally deep community with other women. Seeking and seeing the divine in the places we visit, the people we meet, and most of all in each other, is the greatest gift I could ever receive and give; love is mutual and unending. Along with the spiritual work, there is room for adventure, and fun.
Shortly after returning home from Japan in 2024, the Scotland 2025 pilgrimage was announced. I was thrilled! We began preparing for this trip in the fall of 2025 by reading books and periodically meeting together to discuss them. We had a group chat and shared videos of highland cows which were a bright spot in my days leading up to the trip. I read a few extra books, watched every Scotland-based Christmas movie Netflix had to offer, subscribed to Stars so I could watch the latest season of Outlander, dug into the poetry of Rabbie Burns, read a few romance novels set in Scotland, and managed to get my social media algorithm to show me so many Scottish reels that I was able to understand the accent with ease by the time we arrived (and provided some English to English translation for my fellow pilgrims). Preparing for Scotland was my escape from a stressful period of time in which I wasn’t sure what my next job would be or if I was going to continue in some type of ministry or not, or if I would ever feel fulfilled without having a full time job. It was a hard year or so, I don’t have the answers about who I am and what my vocation is that I thought I would have by now, but I have more peace about not knowing than I did before this pilgrimage. Was pilgrimage the cure all? No, certainly not. But it gave me a sense of purpose and meaning in the days where I didn’t have that sense from any other part of my life. Years of pilgrimages and cultivating relationships with other clergy, church leaders, and wise women has certainly played a vital role in my healing and my sense of following God’s call even when it doesn’t look like what I had planned. On a pilgrimage (and I try to practice this in life too) we hold the itinerary lightly, knowing that it’s not all going to go according to our plans, but perhaps God shows up anyway.
Psalm 130 has a special place in my heart, even more so now that it was opening of our devotional time in Scotland. I’ve written more than a few devotions about Psalm 130, but I had the opportunity to preach on it (and our Scotland Pilgrimage) for Rebecca’s installation service on reformation Sunday on October 26, 2025. Our Role in the Next Reformation sums up the learning we did for this pilgrimage and the work I think the church needs to do to continue reforming. I considered not creating a Scotland Pilgrimage post after writing that sermon and a few psalm reflections where I touched on elements of the pilgrimage, (1, 104, and 120) but obviously I decided to write this post and I hope to capture more of the journey itself and not fragments of learning that came from it.
2024: The Christmas before the Scotland trip, Kurts gave me a highland cow stuffy, a Scotland is Calling and I must go zip pouch, and stickers!
At our January 2025 Pilgrimage meeting we had highland cow cookies while we discussed “Christ of the Celts” by J. Philip Newell. I also shared “Wisdom of the Celtic Saints” by Edward C. Sellner that Uncle Denny sent to me when I wrote to him for a recommendation. I have his letter in my pilgrimage journal.
I followed Helen Clark Art on Facebook ahead of the trip, below are some of my favorites.
Over the summer, I enrolled in a spiritual direction program hoping that would be a next career move for me. I did a silent retreat (not my first) in November. For the first time ever, I made the decision to leave the retreat early because it was clear this wasn’t a good fit for me. I decided to finish the semester of classes, but did not continue with the new term when it started in January. I was upset with myself that I had “failed”. (Over a year later I can see that I learned a lot from this experience) But at the moment I was overwhelmed by the idea that I had no idea what I was doing and that I had no forward moving career plan. In January, it was hard to get out of bed. It was nearly impossible to take care of myself in any way. I regularly saw a therapist and spiritual director, both of whom helped me through this weird time. My husband is a saint and I would not have made it through without him.
February 2025: This was a dark month. I’m including this for context it provides. The dark humor, especially around death and dying in Scotland was healing.
Trigger warnings: friend’s suicide attempt, my medical emergency. Skip the next paragraph and pick up after the picture if you need to.
At the beginning of February, a friend of ours made a suicide attempt, when the attempt failed, they panicked and called my husband and another friend. Together they managed to get our mutual friend the help they needed. The days after the attempt were a new kind of busy and I pushed down my issues to make space for caring for our friend. But sometimes ignoring issues just means they manifest physically, and I had the longest panic attack of my life. My heart started racing in the middle of the night and lasted about an hour before I woke my husband. I didn’t want to wake him, but was too scared of what I thought was dying alone, that I grabbed his hand which woke him. He called the doctor who encourage us to go to the emergency room. My heart rate was so high the intake nurse checked it twice because she thought the first read was wrong, 215. I was immediately sent to a room where they stopped and restarted my heart. I don’t remember how many doctors were in the room, but it felt like a lot, like a TV show. They talked quickly through the decisions but made sure I understood what was happening (sometimes you have to unplug it and plug it back in). I will never forget the nurse who administered the IV medication and held my hand until it was all over. And maybe someday I’ll have the words to describe whatever that was (outside of the clinical SVT). Over a year later I’m doing much better and so is our friend.
I think about that February a lot and how death was so near and how heavy everything felt. I carried those events with me to Scotland and they felt like an invisible boulder that I was hoisting over my head hoping it wouldn’t come crashing down. So many of our tours included describing horrible deaths and dark humor to soften them. The Stirling Old Town Jail tour jokes broke something in me, in a good way. The boulder crumbled and I felt so much lighter. There is a certain kind of laughter that helped me survive and still helps me heal.
Un-serious reading is also healing too. Having already read one Scotland based romance novel, “Under Lock and Key” by Lana Ferguson I picked up another before heading to the airport, “Keep Me” by Sara Cate. I liked both, but they were different “spice levels” for sure. Upon landing in Scotland, I got an Irn Bru so I had something I could get my hand around while we waited for our taxi.
Irn Bru is a hard-to-describe taste. Like cream soda and candy. Maybe even a hint of bubble gum flavor. It was a fun treat that I enjoyed a couple times on the trip and brought home for Kurtis.
Our taxi driver was very talkative especially about US politics and what a terrible situation we were in. This was a theme in Scotland, with some of our hosts even offering that if we wanted to leave the US, Scotland would be happy to have us. I didn’t encounter anyone who supported the president or his policies. Most people treated us as if we were victims of an unfair system and offered support/comfort that the world was watching and hoping that we can get our country turned around.
Once the group was checked into the hotel we all gathered for our first group activity, tea at the Willow Tea Room.
The rest of the day (April 26, 2025) was spent trying to stay awake until bedtime. We walked the royal mile checking out some of it and thinking about places we would like to visit later in the week.
Finding an available meeting room to fit a group of pilgrims for devotions is a little tricky sometimes. We tried our best to do them as a group, but occasionally we did them with our roommates or on our own. Sometimes I recorded my thoughts in my journal and sometimes I didn’t. But the first night, felt like it was made for the discernment I was currently doing. We read a brief story about St. Bridgit. She was asked by a leper for a cow. She asked if he wanted a cow or if he wanted to be healed. I really only wrote down questions to think about hoping that the answer would come to me in Scotland, but they didn’t or at least not in ways I could see at the time. If I imagine myself as the leper, am I able to give up my identity? Is it harder to be known as something else than what I have been known as my entire life or a long time than it is to seek transformation? Can I choose healing when identity is at stake? Am I hesitating to step into a new identity or role or responsibility God may be calling me to? Do I hesitate when it’s time to choose? Am I waiting for something to be clear? Have I missed what God is calling me to do because I’m focused elsewhere or tied to an old identity? These questions spoke to me about my shifting identity as pastor, and as spiritual director. I worried if I had left ministry too soon or not soon enough. Did I give spiritual direction training enough time or did I wisely discern this wasn’t the right program? Is it something I should try again? Should I look for a pastor job? Should I look for a new career all together? Did I give myself enough time to heal? If in the story, I’m Bridget, I wonder if I am okay with someone making the “wrong” choice? What happens when someone I care about is hurting themselves but can’t seem to make a choice for healing and recovery? What happens if the leper choses the cow (the temporary solution) and not healing (the lasting solution)? I don’t want to be an enabler but… why did I offer the cow? What if the leper choses the cow? I want other people to have the freedom to choose what is best for them (and not what I’ve decided is best… even if I am correct… checks ego… am I correct?).
Sunday April 27, 2025 traditional Scottish breakfast. This is when I discovered I liked haggis and that I still don’t like mushrooms. After breakfast, we attended worship at St. Giles Cathedral.
I chose my seat in worship so that I could view the Robert Burns window (installed in 1985). The window was designed by Leifur Breiðfjörd. Bottom Section: Deep greens depicting the natural world as portrayed in Burns’ poetry. Middle Section: Numerous figures representing human unity regardless of race or creed. Top Section (Tracery): A sunburst of love, echoing the poem “O my Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose”.
My college concert choir sang Burn’s “O my Luve’s Like a Red, Red Rose” (not my college linked) set to music by Rene Clausen so I had this poem mostly memorized before coming to Scotland. I printed it out and kept it on my desk so I could recommit it to memory before this trip. Actually, I printed several of his popular poems and glued them in my journal to have on hand. I really enjoyed getting to know his work better.
I was ordained on Robert Burns day (January 25th) in 2015. The senior pastor and I looked at the calendar to find a “meaningful date” and this is the one we chose to reflect the Scottish roots of the Presbyterian Church. Had I known then what I know now, I would have insisted on reading Burn’s version of Psalm 1 at the service.
All of that to say, I picked my seat based on the view of the stained glass.
I did jot a couple of notes down about worship. The sermon was on the Emmaus Road. I liked the communion invitation (clear instructions) and that it tied in with the sermon. All of us are invited to know Christ in the breaking of bread and when we do we are connected to all believers, including the disciples who were the first to recognize Jesus in the breaking of bread. I noted that we felt welcomed by the regular worshiping congregation (let’s face it the regulars and the tourists are easy to differentiate). The music was beautiful (choir and organ). If you like church music and history check out St. Giles Cathedral and St. Giles Cathedral YouTube Channel.
Pro Pilgrim tip: If you attend worship, they will let you use the bathroom. When the Cathedral is open to tourists, the way to the bathroom is blocked by a “staff only” sign. Do with that information what you will.
The Holyrood Abby and gardens were closed while we were there. The name “HolyRood” is in reference to the Holy Cross David I saw appear between a stag’s antlers. The image in the iron gate is one of my favorite pictures of this trip. For me, the stag with its antlers that fall off and grow back, is a symbol of transformation. Having Christ (or some sense of the divine) at the center of transformation is powerful.
You can listen to the story of how the palace got its name, as well as the story about David Rizzo’s death, and other palace fun facts here: Palace of Holyrood House, by the Royal Collection Trust Touring a “working palace” was really interesting because I wasn’t just imagining what the palace would have been like when Mary Queen of Scots lived there but also how the modern royals use the space for official events. Aside from the really fake looking blood stain, touring Mary’s room was eye-opening and not at all how I had pictured it when I read about her time there in “Embroidering Her Truth” by Claire Hunter. The adjoining rooms were really more like closets or nooks connected to her bedroom. I did tear up a little when I saw her embroidery work on display.
Mary Queen of Scots
Mary Queen of Scots Videos with Scottish Storyteller
BBC Bloody Queens: Elizabeth 1 and Mary Queen of Scots, One Hour Focuses on Elizabeth and Mary.
Mary, Queen of Scots: Romance and Betrayal, 45 Minutes This documentary is a detailed exploration of Mary’s life and how politics impacted every aspect of her existence.
The Writers’ Museum in Makars Court celebrates the lives of three giants of Scottish literature – Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.
To Travel Hopefully – this certainly describes the feeling of being on pilgrimage, it’s not about arriving but what we learn along the way and who we journey with.
After being inspired by the quotes at the writers museum, we took in the view from Edinburgh Castle.
Then down to the Grass Market, which was a formerly a place where executions were carried out, including 100 Covenanters (Presbyterians) who died for their faith. Today it’s a place for people to hang out in a busy market and restaurant area.
The obvious stop for a drink was at “The Last Drop”.
Then off to something a little more instagram-able… Victoria Street in Old Town
Then to see the Grey Friars’ Bobby and Cemetery… tomb tours are a favorite pilgrimage tradition.
Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.
April 28:
I used this bathroom picture in my article: Creating a period-positive church: Hospitality, advocacy, and sacred care for The Presbyterian Outlook.
Period Products are free in Scotland , in fact, They are the first country in the world to make period products free.
I knew this about Scotland and was sort of hoping to get my period while we were there so I could talk about how amazing it was to get a period and know that supplies were always available. But I did look in every bathroom I could (without being too weird about it) and there were always period products.
Castles seem to have something for everyone… my favorite was Weaving the Unicorn: The Stirling Castle Tapestry Project. Not much is know about the story the tapestry tells but it seems that the unicorn may be symbolic of Christ. Mostly, I loved seeing all of the weaving samples and supplies on display. We were also able to watch a video and see the intricate work being done.
The next stop was the Church of the Holyrood. At 13 months old, James VI was crowned king of Scotland at this church and it is the only surviving church in Scotland to have had a coronation. The sermon was preached by John Knox and the service was done in Scottish (not Latin). The only other church in Britain in regular use that has had a coronation is Westminster Abbey in London.
The church also had a really interesting cemetery
We passed by this place but didn’t inquire further….
I didn’t take any pictures at lunch so if my fellow pilgrims can fill in the details let me know… but I did journal about our lunch.
At a pub in Stirling, a local man approached us. He was friendly and it was obvious we were tourists so he figured he had a new audience for his favorite stories. He recommended a local beer and then told us the “slange” means “drink it all and break the glass against the wall.” And then he added, but you can’t do that here. So, I walked right into where I thought he might be going and said, “its a nice place” and before I could say “I don’t see any glass on the floor” he said, “No, not really, they put up with me here”, so I said it must be good to have a place that tolerates you. And then the waitress said “you know we will take care of you” and put her hand on his shoulder. It was a beautiful moment to witness and makes me grateful that there are places in this world where “regulars” gather for community.
Old Town Jail – the only way tell the story of the terrible things that happened here is with theatrics and dark humor.
Our guide, Heather, performed a one-woman show about the history of this prison told through those who lived and suffered there. One of the first stories she told was about the hangman who was particularly cruel. One day his wife (accidentally?) put a chicken bone in his soup and he died choking on it. The hangman died choking!!! I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. And it took me a minute to regain composure… or at least mild giggling… so when we went to the next room, I was selected for “torture” and kept giggling while she described the terrible things she would do to me. I felt joy? and not fear. Maybe somehow fake violence and misery makes the real life worries lighter.
Later, I journaled that the jail reminded me of being in a haunted house – a safe space to be afraid. I trusted that she wouldn’t really hurt me and I felt safe, even when I was being told it wasn’t safe. It reminded me about being in the haunted house last October with the smoke and the lights being disorienting and how simple it was to hold hands and not have to be alone in the scary stuff, even when it is pretend. I forgot until now that I made a note in my Scotland journal to write up something about the Jail and/or haunted houses… and I did…Haunted houses and holy moments
Sarah and I decided to take a quick adventure to see the Kelpies. When we arrived, we could small horse poop… but we didn’t see any real horses… more giggling….surely they aren’t pumping in that smell!?!
Kelpies “According to sculptor Andy Scott, “The original concept of mythical water horses was a valid starting point for the artistic development of the structures.” He also said that he “took that concept and moved with it towards a more equine and contemporary response, shifting from any mythological references towards a socio-historical monument intended to celebrate the horse’s role in industry and agriculture as well as the obvious association with the canals as tow horses”.”
“Bow down your strong heads to taste the water” – even the strong, maybe especially the strong need to rest and refresh and that’s what this pilgrimage is about.
Mostly, I’ve enjoyed having a wonderful roommate and being with a group of women who will talk about romance novels, gallows humor, and the sacred mysteries.
Our little adventure meant that we had to do a quick take-away dinner… potato and …. yum! We ate in the hotel dinning area (closed except for breakfast) and gathered with the rest of our group for devotions. I took a lot of food photos to prove to my husband that I was eating and taking care of myself.
Devotion notes: What words of spiritual wisdom would you leave as a legacy? Love & let go, you are enough, and make space for fun. What makes a good spiritual role model? How does one know if they are growing as a spiritual role model? I watched the movie Conclave on the plane (a few of us did so we were thinking about that movie and choosing a spiritual leader), the idea of not being perfect or being worried about being perfect or keeping up perfect appearances but instead to sin and forgive. Apologize and take action one is empty without the other, name it and change it. We also talked about molding integrity by keeping standards even in small actions. A spiritual leader does work with others, together building relationships along with working towards common goals.
April 29:
Today is another bright and sunny day in Edinburg!!! None of us were prepared for nice weather but we are enjoying it.
The day stared at the John Knox house and we “got all Knox-ed up” by dressing up like him.
John Knox
Bruce Fummey on John Knox
John Knox’s Letter to Ediburgh, 5 Minutes A letter of John Knox’s narrated.
John Knox House Tour, 18 Minutes
John Knox House Tour Guide
The Knox house is connected to a book store and storytelling center. There were dioramas of different Scottish stories.
A few of us took a walk to Carlton Hill view point and asked someone to take our photo. It was hilarious as her friend acted as artistic director for our photo shoot, giving us the new catch phrase “tits out.”
Then we stopped for water, coffee, and toilet before we continued out to the Scott Monument.
Witch tour
Scottish Witch Trials
BBC: The Witch Trials, Women Accused of Being ‘Agents of Satan’ 7 Minutes
BBC Scotland: ‘Witches’ of Edinburgh, 7 Minutes
King James and the Berwick Witch Trials, Bruce Fummey, 10 Minutes
My favorite part of the witch tour was our guide’s emphasis the these were everyday people singled out for their disability or uniqueness and that we should learn from this mistake to be kind to everyone. Getting pardons and apologies and a better memorial are an important part of remembering history and amending our ways. https://www.witchesofscotland.com is working on those things and creating a tartan to honor those who lost their lives in the witch trials.
And we go to dance on Knox’s grave and spit on the heart of Midlothian.
After the tour, we did a little shopping. Lisa is also an Edinburg grad, so she was happy to go with me to get a hoodie for Kurtis. We of course had a pint and chatted for a bit too.
Dinner at the The Witchery Here’s their history in all its…..peculiarities: Witches and Castle Ghost and History of the Witchery We enjoyed good food and good conversation. We talked about music, theology, life, and well, all the things. We shared our stories of our smaller group adventures, “tits out” was a hit. I was so touched by Pat affirming women pastors and her passion for women leaders in the church. It was good for my heart to hear how strongly she felt. Then she suggested another visit to Knox’s grave – tits out!
April 30:
Today we toured the Scottish Highlands. We took a bus tour to Loch Ness and hopped on a boat. We didn’t see Nessy. We got to explore the Urquhart Castle Ruins before getting back on the bus to drive through two national parks: Glencoe and Cairngorms.
The first stop of our tour was a highland cow experience/gift shop/rest area in Perthshire. The baby cow, Wallace, got close enough to the fence and I got to pet him. So cute!
Pass of Drumochter – Welcome to the Highlands!
Loch Ness and the Urquhart Castle Ruins
The best view in Glencoe: The Three Sisters: Faith, Hope and Charity
The tour guide told us their names were faith, hope, and charity…. I cannot confirm with my internet digging… the link above has the “names” if you want to ruin it for yourself too. But that doesn’t undo how special this location felt and how I wished that in our national parks we would name locations after virtues instead of people. The guide also told us about highland hospitality, which means providing food, shelter, and protection to anyone who is lost or stranded outside in the brutal weather. Glencoe is the location of one of the dark days of Scotland’s history, the Glencoe Massacre. The Corrag Witch predicted the event and tried to warn people to stop it but she wasn’t believed. The Campbells offered the McDonalds highland hospitality, and then received orders to kill their guests. Some did, others told their guests to flee (but the few who escaped died of exposure shortly after). Instead of using dark humor to lighten the mood, our guide chose to inspire us saying that the three sisters names remind us to practice highland hospitality even to our enemies. I really want this to be true, for myself and for future sermon or writing, so if you have a source that verifies that story link it in the comments.
May 1:
Choose your now adventure day. Each of the pilgrims did something different, so if my fellow travelers are reading, comment what you did on the free day.
Sarah and I chose to go to St. Andrews. We were amazed at how well the timing of getting the train and then a short walk to the bus worked out as it felt like we stepped off of the train and onto the first bus. We walked through the beautiful town of St. Andrews admiring the high end and golf themed shops.
We walked by the University of St. Andrews looking for a man in finance to set up with a fellow pilgrim but alas we only found St. Andrew.
St. Andrews Cathedral was once a place pilgrimage traveled to view relics. It was also a place where John Knox’s work in the reformation was notable. The museum staff was friendly and even gave us a great lunch recommendation.
The Cathedral ruins were under repair or reconstruction, and some of the graves were fenced off because they were unstable. We both enjoyed taking our time, walking slowly through the ruins and cemetery. Sarah found a spot where we stood still and listened to the wind as it blew around the perimeter wall. The sound was hard to describe, other worldly and yet comforting.
Near the ruins, ducks were nesting. The mother ducks held very still almost looking like statues to protect their nests.
After we had walked slowly, breathed deeply, and listened to the wind, we headed towards lunch. The restaurant had a view of the North Sea and St. Andrew’s Golf course. We both had fish and chips. I got prawns and Sarah got Cullen Skink. I texted my husband and our friend to see if they knew anything about the golf course (I hadn’t heard of it before). They were excited I was there and texted some fun facts that I did not retain. But I got each of them a ball marker from the gift shop.
We walked down to the shore and put our feet in the water. It was cold but so worth it. We’ve noticed that being in our bare feet in the grass when we travel helps us to feel more grounded, but I think something about the water is even more grounding. It felt like something in me shifted closer to Scotland and further from home which made me miss my husband but it also felt euphoric to be so connected to a new place.
The bus/train back to Edinburgh was just as easy as getting there. Sarah and I did some shopping for our families at home. I finished my list before she did so we parted ways to do our own thing. Hugs – we had so much fun together today. I went to a pub and had Cullen Skink and read the book I purchased at the museum earlier. I did some laundry and met the group for devotional time.
Devotional reflection: Reformed people (and others) have practice “creation mediation” in which they focus on something in nature and find connections with God. What is this practice like for you? In my journal I described our day noting the feeling of the cold north sea and how it made my soul soar, how the ducks protected their nests, how bright new flowers bloom next to ancient ruins – all of these things gave me a sense of connection to creation ad a sense of timelessness or something eternal like the love of God.
May 2:
After breakfast, we left Edinburg to travel the borderlands between Scotland and England.
The first stop was Holy Island which is part of the St. Cuthbert’s way . There we saw the ruins of the cathedral, abby, priory, and paused for a moment to pray in the chapel. St. Aidan and St. Cuthbert are the most important of the many saints associated with Lindisfarne. The Lindisfarne gospels were made in honor of St. Cuthbert. Laura B. had studied these saints previously, I wish I had written down some of what she shared while we were walking the grounds. It’s special to visit a place with someone who finds being there deeply meaningful.
Our next stop was Alnwick Castle. It is the current home of the Duke of North Umbria, so there were modern family pictures along with historic portraits in the rooms we toured. I wondered if they tell their children to behave or else have an embarrassing picture put out for the tour groups. This castle was also the filming location for Harry Potter learning how to fly on a broomstick.
Our final stop was at a farm and we got to peak at their animals. Throughout the day we reflected on our calling and how we navigate the new landscape of church. Rebecca was my bus buddy and we got to really chat on the long drive.
I had diner with Rebecca, Laura B. and Sarah and we all shared stories about ordination and installations and other memorable moments in ministry.
I ate haggis twice today…breakfast not pictured.
May 3:
Today was technically the last planned day of our pilgrimage so said our goodbyes and a few people went home. Two people went to London to spend time there before heading home and a four of us stayed in Scotland.
Rebecca, Laura B. and I took the Outlander tour with Rabbie’s Tour Company. Our guide was excellent and in between stops told funny stories or Scottish phrases. “They have gold organic cows there which are miles by virgins wearing silk gloves”. “That’s like trying to teach your granny how to suck eggs.” He explained that meant trying to explain something to someone who has been doing that thing for years.
Midhope Castle: In the show, it’s known as Lallybroch.
Blackness Castle: This was used for a few scenes. The one I remember was when Jamie was whipped. I really need a making of the Outlander series documentary so I can watch it and say “I was there”.
From the Blackness Castle we could see all three of the bridges over the forth of firth.
Rebecca noted that Scottish Lords must be short, to which I proclaimed, “I am a Scottish Lord”.
This was the only latrine in Scotland that didn’t have menstrual products but it did have a handy shelf for some so I obviously had to stage a picture.
St. Michael’s Church in Linlithgow: Mary Queen of Scots was baptized here. The needlework displayed at this church was beautiful. They still have an active worshiping congregation.
Black Bitch of Linlithgow according to our guide: A boy was being punished by being tied up on a rock at low tide. His family’s dog swam out to bring him food. When he was caught the dog was tied up next to him and they both died. Everyone in Linlithgow is a black bitch.
The dog’s unwavering loyalty became a symbol of the town’s resilience and sense of community.
Kelpies according to our guide: Duke head down Barren head up. We don’t do happy endings in Scotland. Kelpies can take the form of a handsome man or a very beautiful horse. The main will wrap around your arm and the back is sticky like glue so you can break free. Just before you go under the water it turns and you see those terrible eyes and maybe a fang. Then he drowns you and eats you. Except for your heart and lungs. They float to the top and a Scot will come and make haggis. Haggis is kelpie leftovers. I taught my children to swim instead of scaring them to death.
Doune Castle: Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Game of Thrones, and Outlander were all filmed here.
Culcross: This town was used for filming. The actors in Outlander helped raise money to save the local pub.
We returned to our hotel to pick up our luggage (and Laura S.) and head to our hostel. Then we had a lovely dinner together before squeezing into our bunkbeds.
May 4:
The four of us had breakfast together then Laura S. And Rebecca went to St. Giles for church to see the new pastor be installed and Laura B. and I decided to go to Greyfriars.
During the sermon on vocations, the pastor recounted hi sown vocation and encouraged each of us to find our own. He also commented on the installation service happening at St. Giles, the Pope’s death (and Trump being an idiot by posting a picture of himself as the pope-ugh). As part of the service they passed around a basket of prayers visitors had left so the worshippers could pray for them during the week. We were invited to stay after church for tea and snacks and found ourselves in their congregational meeting to discuss their possible merger with St. Cuthbert’s and sharing a pastor. The presbytery “wants them to get on with it” and the committee reminded everyone that they’ve put out newsletters and they are hoping people will respond with feedback or talk to a committee member – noting that no one has talked directly to a committee member yet. (It sounds so familiar). The big talking points: both buildings are grade A, meaning they are in good condition and both congregations want to continue worshiping in their current spaces. Greyfriars has more money and more programing so people were concerned about how finances would be handled. Others don’t want it to feel like it is a take over . Someone pointed out that their congregation is already made up of 17 congregations but this is the first time they’ve merged with another congregation with a grade A building. Someone pointed out that rural churches are already sharing pastors. There are not enough people in seminary and more merging is coming in the future. So many of the concerns and discussion sound like churches in our presbytery too. It really is amazing how similar we are all.
After church we walked to Dean Village and got the instagram pictures. We saw a dog with a huge stick and decided he was the goodest boy in all of Edinburgh.
We had lunch at the Painted Rooster and exchanged stories about previous calls. We knew we were both in transition at the same time but neither had the bandwidth to reach out to the other. I’m glad we had time in Scotland to connect and compare experiences.
May 5:
The hostel was very cramped so we decide to head to the airport early and got coffee and pastries. Laura B. had the earliest flight so Rebeca, Laura, and I had lunch together. We met up with Sarah (back from London) just before boarding our flight. Hugs all around when we landed. Pilgrimage is the best!
I wish I had taken more pictures of the people I traveled with. I don’t know if I was just so in my own head or if we were standing shoulder to shoulder taking the same photos or what, but the next trip I will make more of an effort to have more group photos.
Looking forward to going to Greece soon and hoping to experince joy.
O, Thou, in whom we live and move,
Who mad’st the sea and shore,
Thy goodness constantly we prove,
And grateful would adore.
And if it please Thee, Power above,
Still grant us with such store;
The friend we trust, the fair we love,
and we desire no more.
Robert Burns, A Grace After Dinner
Period Pastor Pad 