THE Church of Scotland is to reaffirm the importance of pilgrimage in the life of the Kirk. It is a powerful tool to reach people who may not be attracted by a weekly services, according to Rev Dr Richard Frazer convener of the church and Society Council, and a meaningful way of worship.
Many authors and poets have found pilgrimage a useful way to explore faith, notably Chaucer and Bunyan. Scotland’s scenery and landscape can lend themselves to moments of epiphany. And with the history of figures such as St Columba and St Magnus, Scotland has a wealth of possible locations and routes – six are currently under development.
From an economic point of view, it makes great sense. For many years a spiritual tour of Scotland has meant visiting as many distilleries as possible. But these days there are many other ways for visitors to explore. There are food trails, national cycling and walking routes, bird and wildlife safaris and of course the challenge of Munro-bagging which some would see as a kind of pilgrimage in itself.
Some of the world’s most significant pilgrimages now have a major monetary impact. The Muslim practice of Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, is said to be worth £6.8 billion to Saudi Arabia. The Camino de Santiago can attract more than 250,000 pilgrims. Scotland need not look to benefit on this scale, but there is no downside to being more open about the idea.
Pilgrimages lost their popularity due to concerns about exploiting followers through the sale of fake relics and bones and rags said to have belonged to saints. Such practices are undesirable although perhaps less obviously so in an era when taking home a bit of plastic tat from your travels is part of many people’s holiday routine.
Authenticity matters and it is important that in the rush to create new routes, they genuinely reflect the lives and journeys of the saints they are named for,.
But, as with all Scottish tourism, the quality of the welcome and hospitality is crucial. Pilgrims will not return if the attitude of the natives is less than encouraging.
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