WATCH: Let us play! Inverness Cathedral's Very Rev Sarah joins in the family fun inside the church
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INVERNESS Cathedral used the new space created by the removal of the pews to good effect with an Easter holiday fun day - and even Provost Sarah Murray joined in.
A free Bouncy Castle Family Day was held inside the church last Thursday, attracting a sizeable crowd of holidaying youngsters – while it rained, hailed and snowed outside.
Provost Murray, before having a shot on one of the castles, said: “We have offered family-friendly events before, and now that we have the flexible space, this was an opportunity to offer this holiday event in the cathedral.”
Referring to one of the founding fathers of the cathedral, which utilises TikTok and other social media, Provost Murray added: “Bishop Eden had a vision for the cathedral to be part of the community and for all to be able to access it.”
Robert Eden, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness, moved to Inverness from England in 1862 after being elected most senior minister of the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Provost Murray continued: “This family fun day was an open invitation to the whole community to access it and there is no charge for this day.
“All of our events for children and young people are available free of charge and it is our ethos to continue to ensure these events are available to everyone.”
Outside operators were brought in to deal with the technical and safety side of installing the bouncy castles.
The progress made by Scottish episcopacy during Bishop Eden’s tenure has been attributed largely to his influence. He gave up a comfortable living in England worth £500 or £600 a year for a position earning no more than £150, about £14,300 today. While the cathedral was being built his pro-cathedral was a small cottage, fitted up as a mission chapel, on the bank of the River Ness.
In return for all his work for the church, his congregation donated funds to build him an official residence, which is now part of Eden Court.
