On 3rd October the Scottish Pilgrimage Gathering will be held at The Vine Conference Centre, 131 Garvock Hill, Dunfermline KY11 4JU. The theme of the day is “Communing With Nature”- Environmental Perspectives on Pilgrimage.

 How far does the current revival of off-road pilgrimage travel reflect a spiritual dimension to today’s global conservation movement? Is there a physical and mental healing process of journeying outdoors on foot, bicycle or horseback that motivates increasing numbers of people to re-discover our historic pilgrimage centres? Does ‘active’ pilgrimage travel promote a wider importance of Scotland’s natural heritage to our well being, among people of all faiths and none?

Addressing these questions at the second annual Scottish Pilgrimage Gathering are a distinguished group of key speakers: scientist and author Professor Sam Berry; environmental adviser, writer and broadcaster Chris Baines of the Green Pilgrimage Network; and Professor Richard Oram of the University of Stirling. At a time when the Scottish Government has recently launched its National Walking Strategy, we are also very pleased that Paul Wheelhouse MSP, Minister for Environment will address the Gathering on the relevance of pilgrim walking routes in several key policy areas.

The day will also offer delegates a choice of two workshop sessions on different stakeholder interests in developing new Pilgrim Way long distance routes, covering local churches, landowners, faith tourism businesses, and community groups. The SPRF Annual General Meeting will follow separately.

More information available in the poster which can be downloaded to share with your congregations here.

You can also book online at their website here.