My Story

Before Covid struck, I was planning a long pilgrimage to Rome on the Via Francigena, but this virtual pilgrimage organised by Friends of the Holy Land reminds me that maybe the act of walking with a purpose is more important than where we start or where we finish.

The distance of Bethlehem to Nazareth is much the same as the length of the main island of Shetland, so I want to walk from Sumburgh Head to North Roe in stages through the month of June.  It is the most beautiful month in the Northern Isles, with the Simmer Dim and the land vibrant with birds and flowers.  I shall mostly be following the course of the N1 National Cycle Route, using minor roads off the main highway.  It passes through some magnificent scenery.

I want to support the disadvantaged Christian school children in the Holy Land, but I also want to remember St Columba in this 1500th anniversary year of his birth.  It was Columban monks who first brought the faith to Shetland and the walk will take us near many old Celtic monastic sites. We walk as pilgrims.

I am the Catholic Parish Priest of the Shetland Islands.  Other parishioners from St Margaret's have promised to join me for some of the journey, and also representatives of other Christian churches in Shetland.  Together we will make a team, "Shetland Pilgrimage". We would be grateful for your support.