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Highland Council announces annual Kirking of the Council ceremony is cancelled due to coronavirus


By Gregor White

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The Kirking of the Council adds a splash of colour to autumn in the city.
The Kirking of the Council adds a splash of colour to autumn in the city.

The historic Kirking of the Council ceremony in Inverness will not take place in September as usual due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Normally taking place at the city's Old High Church it will be the first time in more than 400 years that it has been cancelled.

Inverness Provost Helen Carmichael said: "In consultation with the Old High Church it is with considerable sadness that we have agreed to not proceed with the Kirking of the Council this year.

"However, given the popularity of this historic event it may have proven very challenging to maintain appropriate social distancing during the procession and within the church."

Session Clerk, at Old High St Stephen’s Church, Christine Mackenzie, said: “The congregation of the Old High Church is particularly disappointed at not being able to host the Kirking of the Council this year.

"The government's social distancing guidelines make it impractical and we recognise the importance of adhering to them."

Recent years have seen the Kirking of the Council growing into a large city event, including increasing participation by local school pupils and youth groups.

A parade numbering up to 200 people is normally led by local pipe bands, starting at the city's Eastgate and marching past Inverness Town House where local councillors dressed in traditional robes join at the rear of the procession to the church.

City and area Manager with Highland Council, David Haas, said: "The council remains fully committed to the Kirking of the Council and recognises it as a valued and significant cultural event for the city.

"We have worked with the Old High Church over the years to develop it into the inclusive and colourful public civic event it has become and are grateful to them for their continued support.

"However, taking account of the risk to public health it is right to cancel it this year.

"We will, though, start planning in spring next year to ensure the Kirking of the Council goes ahead in September 2021 and resumes its rightful place as the largest autumn event in the city."

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