Scottish Safari

New bridge over Bracklinn Falls, Callander

Just back from 3 weeks in Scotland visiting various churches and Presbyteries and talking about my work with prisons in Kenya.  I enjoyed some lovely Autumn weather and the colours of the trees were stunning especially on the Crags in Callander where we lived for 10 years. Despite the busy schedule which took me from one side of the country to another and back again I managed a walk up to the Bracklinn Falls and the site of the new bridge with my friend, Gail.  The original bridge was washed away in a huge flood a few years ago and it was great to be able to cross the falls once again and walk up into the hills.

Celtic Cross at the Bield bathed in Autumnal light.

The trip ended in the peace and quiet of the Bield in Perthshire, a retreat centre which I have used often over the last 10 years.  I gathered there with the Trustees of the Prison Throughcare Trust which is being set up to help coordinate and support my work in Kenya.  It was good to share a time together in such a beautiful setting.

Balmerino Abbey

In between time I visited my home church in Callander and enjoyed a happy reunion with the congregation of St Andrew's, Boness over a soup and sandwich lunch.  Other visits took me from the quietness of Balfron to the bustle of Ferguslie Park in Paisley.  And while visiting Wormit Parish Church in Fife Rev Jim Connelly showed me the hidden secret of Balmerino Abbey, once a huge complex on a pilgrimage route between Iona and St Andrews. Dunipace provided a very warm welcome and visits to Stirling and Falkirk Presbyteries provided an opportunity to touch base with many friends and colleagues.

As I left Scotland an 'artic blast' was getting ready to hit the country. I stepped off the plane in Nairobi to a balmy 25 degrees, to Jacaranda trees in bloom and to a husband and son who were glad to have Mum back.