A recently published census reveals that ‘the number of British-born Christians is falling steeply while a youthful Muslim population is on the rise.’ Some could argue that such a difference is a result of immigration; of course it’s true to a certain extent, but not exclusively so with regard to Islam; many Catholic parishes in the UK still exist thanks…
A commonly suggested route to climb this hill is pretty short and rather straightforward – though including crossing the river and boggy pathless grounds – starting from the north end of Loch Glascarnoch. The route I produced for myself was longer, similarly pathless (except the return along the loch’s bank) and quite boggy. Although the hill itself is unimpressive, the views from…
My hill-walking season started depressingly late this year, due to unfavourable weather. This one was a warm-up – relatively short, relatively easy, and relatively not very far from home. It was great to be in the wilderness again; even the soggy ground for most of the walk was enjoyable (kind of). Photographically the weather wasn’t good, but for walking actually quite nice;…
Years ago, when I came Scotland, to my shame I admit that my knowledge about this country had been next to nothing, limited to that of ‘men wearing skirts’ and of impressively beautiful landscapes. Leaving behind my homeland, friends, small achievements and the entire past that had shaped me, I started my life here pretty much from scratch, soaking up…
Sometimes the bell ringing at the parish house means an unexpected visit of an unfamiliar visitor, looking for well and clearly defined help. After so many years I can say from my experience that the scheme is pretty similar each time. At the end of the story there is always a request for money. When I do a favour to…