Edinburgh

Knights Residence provided “Gift Package” breakfast items to consume

So each of the pilgrim groups ate together in their rooms.

Then they gathered at 9am to walk up to the castle.

With Karen McCormick as our guide there was no entrance hassle.

With capacity restrictions still in place because of the pandemic

The weather and small crowds created an atmosphere idyllic.

“Professor” Madi Hill gave her talk on St. Margaret of Scotland

Overlooking Queensferry, named after the ferry she championed.

Then we went in the chapel and quietly prayed her collect together

Reminded to pray for our DOK St. Margaret Chapter.

Observing our pilgrimage tradition, a verse of “Sanctuary” we sang,

Then the nice castle security lady took a group photo of our gang.

Afterwards we walked by St. Giles for an impromptu unplanned visit.

But because we were an unannounced group, they invited us to quit.

Walking on to Marks & Spencer, we picked up the pace for the bunch

so the group could change money and buy a nice picnic lunch.

George met us down the block and drove us to Dalmeny to meet

our kind host Pamela who opened the parish hall for us to eat.

She gave us a talk and a tour of their 12th century Church

the most complete Romanesque church in Scotland (see the site dalmeny.org to research).

We spent time in prayer and to journal in this holy place

It’s dedicated to St. Cuthbert — and it’s another Celtic “thin place.”

A drive to the airport for Fr. Marty to pick up the luggage van

Then off to Rosslyn Chapel — all going just as we planned.

Our talk was given by Maureen, a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Congregation

She remembered Fr. Marty, and said “You have to sing — it’s your tradition!”

So we gathered in the crypt and did a version of “Seek Ye First,”

The acoustics made it sound great (though we should have rehearsed!)

We ended our day searching for a restaurant on the Royal Mile,

a delicious Thai/Indian meal made everyone smile.

And Karen recommended a new gelato store.

One that even Fr. Marty hadn’t been to before.

It was worth the detour down towards the Greyfriar’s Bobby Statue and Church

It took us a while to find it, but it was well worth the search.

Then talking about tomorrow’s Iona trek as we all walked back.

Before going to bed, most chose their suitcases to pack.

(More photos and updates to come….after driving from Edinburgh to Oban, then ferry from Oban to Craignure, then driving from Craignure to Fionnphort, then Ferry to Iona, then driving to our Iona residence…Fr. Marty needs a little more time to catch up, since we have embarked on the more significant pilgrimage parts of our journey…all are well and happy… LLL)