The nomination of Abbot Hugh Gilbert of Pluscarden as bishop-elect has raised many expectations and hopes among the clergy and lay people of the diocese. The problem is that because they are so many and so different it’s not possible to fulfil all of them. The new bishop like every new boss will have to make up his mind and…
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On the last Wednesday of July I decided to shorten my route, leaving one Munro behind. It was surprisingly hot and I was too exhausted to climb An Socach. So when I was preparing another hike in the same area I added that Munro to my list. My careful planning and preparation paid off – this time I completed all three Munros. [googlemaps…
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Once a man in his twenties appeared at the door of a parish house asking for money. He didn’t look ill, disabled or handicapped in any way. But because I’m a good and helpful man I wanted to know something about his needs. I don’t remember his story but I do remember it sounded like a made up one. He…
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He was the last prophet faithful to God in a kingdom with a weak and indecisive king influenced by the cunning queen Jezebel. The Pagan religion introduced by the queen had spread widely; the people of Israel had left the faith of their fathers. Elijah the prophet offered a kind of competition between himself and the pagan priests. The sacrifice…
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After a few weeks-long break I managed to go to the hills again. The plan was very ambitious and, as it turned out, too ambitious. Even plan B had to be changed. A pretty steep climbing of the northern slope of Beinn Iutharn Mhor and then a descend through rough terrain in burning heat drained my strength. When I saw in…