Centuries-old tradition of the Kirking of the Council is cancelled for the third year in a row as Highland Council says the 'difficult decision' was taken due to the 'challenges of planning' the event
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Highland Council and Ness Bank Church have “with regret” cancelled the centuries-old tradition of the Kirking of the council for the third year running.
It was due to take place on September 11 but was postponed due to the death of Her Majesty the Queen just three days before.
Now council and church leaders have taken the “difficult decision” that it will not take place at all due to logistical problems though it is hoped it will return next year.
It was previously cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid pandemic.
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A statement from the local authority said: “The challenges of planning an event involving schools and many other voluntary organisations, mean that regrettably, this historic event will not be taking place in 2022.
“The Church of Scotland and the Council remain committed to ensuring that the Kirking planned for 2023 will be of a very high standard, be-fitting the city.
Reacting to the decision Reverend Ian Manson said: “The Kirking of the Council is a much-loved city institution and we look forward to reinstating the Kirking in 2023 and welcoming a broad range of Faith Leaders and voluntary groups to join us at that time.”
Provost of Inverness, Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, said: “We value the opportunity that the Kirking gives us to endorse the link between Church and community and join Church and Faith leaders in renewing our commitment to serving our communities and look forward to its reinstatement in 2023.”
What is the Kirking of the Council?
The Kirking of the Council is a partnership between the congregation of the Old High St Stephen's Church of Scotland and the Inverness city committee of Highland Council.
It enables the Kirk to bless the work of the elected members and their officials and for the council to recognise the contribution of the Christian community to the city of Inverness.
The occasion also gives the local authority the chance to recognise the valuable contributions of all faith groups, charitable agencies and voluntary organisations to the City of Inverness.
Typically there is a parade of members led by the Provost between the Inverness Town House and Old High St Stephen's Church.
