Home > Scottish Cross 2011 > What is Scottish Cross (Back to normal view)
It's a Christian cross-carrying Holy Week pilgrimage to Iona, rooted in the Catholic tradition but resolutely open to all.
You're right, it's not. Before the advent of leisure holidays, pilgrimage was a common reason for people to travel Scottish Cross taps into some of that wonderful tradition. It isn't a holiday - that's for sure - but it is a journey for perfectly normal people like you. We are doing something - going on pilgrimage.We are not disconnected from real life, we walk along, we chat, make new friends and stop off for a quick pint.
It last about just over a week. For the Loch Lomond leggers it starts on the Saturday before Palm Sunday, for the Fort William leg it starts on Palm Sunday. It ends on Easter Monday when we make our way back home from Iona.
Both routes are just short of 100 miles.
No, we are not joking. Most people who have got a good level of fitness can walk the average 15 or so miles a day for a week or so. We also have a support minibus if you find that cooking for half a day would help restore your energy Ð and somebody does have to do the cooking!
A time apart for reflection and prayer, and also a strong sense of being part of community and new friends. The pilgrimage relies on those who take part and the sharing and consideration that creates the community of pilgrims is a lovely environment to consider Christ's death and resurrection. Essentially, the pilgrimage provides a framework, a space in which to reflect, pray and share for a few days and re-charge the spiritual batteries.
It's about 3/4 size of the real thing. It would be impossible to carry a full size cross through the highlands and islands of Scotland.
The cost is £250 (£225 if you pay the non-refundable deposit of £100 by 12th January 2009). A limited number of subsidised places are available at £140 if a £70 deposit is paid by 12th January 2009. These are on a first come, first served basis, the money being raised through fundraising events throughout the year. Examples of beneficiaries would be students and low/unwaged.
Further information and application forms are available.
