Pilgrimage
Explore the Three Saints Way and learn about further pilgrimage routes being developed.Pilgrimage has increasingly entered the public imagination in recent years, with several BBC series following people walking ancient routes and exploring the spiritual and personal significance of pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage in Scotland and in our Presbytery area has deep roots. From the time of St Columba, early Celtic saints carried the Gospel from the west of Scotland into Pictish lands across Perthshire and Angus. Many saints played a part in this movement of faith, with places such as Dunkeld and Arbroath becoming significant centres in the spread of Christianity.
Today this heritage is reflected in the Three Saints Way, a 111-mile pilgrimage route from Killin to St Andrews recognised by the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum. Much of the route runs through our Presbytery area before crossing into Fife, linking landscapes, churches and communities shaped by this early Christian story. Â
The Three Saints Way
There are ongoing discussions however to create a coast-to-coast braided pilgrim route to be called the ‘Columba Way’ and linking Iona with St Andrews and Lindisfarne. This will incorporate the existing Three Saints Way route (to be renamed) as well as the planned new braid from Killin to Dunkeld and Scone and joining the northern Fife Coastal Path at Abernethy. Other local routes further west will also be included. If you would like more information about this, contact the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum. Click here for the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum Â
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Map of the Three Saints Way
Pilgrimage at
Dunkeld Cathedral
Work is currently underway for Dunkeld Cathedral to be formally included on the Three Saints Way pilgrimage route. With its strong historic links to St Columba and the early spread of Christianity in Scotland, Dunkeld has long been an important place of faith and pilgrimage.
Alongside this, Dunkeld Cathedral has been developing a series of short local pilgrim walks as part of its ministry of Christian reflection. Several of these routes have now been created, inviting people to slow down, walk, pray and reflect in the beautiful landscape around Dunkeld.
Below is Rev Fraser Penny from Dunkeld introducing the walks and the vision behind them.Â