Kirking of the Council

The Kirking of the Council - a tradition dating back about 400 years – will be held in Inverness on Sunday 7 September.

The Inverness City Committee of The Highland Council has worked closely with Rev Peter Nimmo and the congregation of the Old High St Stephen’s Church of Scotland to revitalise this important tradition.

The event will begin at 10 am when a procession of uniformed youth groups, Councillors and guests make its way from the Town House to the Old High Church, Church Street, for the service at 10.30 a.m. It is estimated there will be 120 people in this year’s procession, led by Pipe Bands from Northern Constabulary and the British Legion. The procession returns to the Town House from the Old High Church at 11.30 a.m.

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 The Highland Council that 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 Council the chance to recognise the valuable contributions of all faith groups, charitable agencies and voluntary organisations to the City of Inverness.

Rev Peter Nimmo said: “The congregation of Old High St Stephen’s is proud to host this historic event, which has taken place in the Old High Church since its inception. I would like to invite all the people of the City of Inverness - of all faiths and of none - to the Kirking service as we celebrate our common life together at this important community event. Whether you come to take part in the worship service within the Church or simply to enjoy the parade, you will be made very welcome.”

Rev Nimmo’s sermon this year is entitled “The Uncommon Good Fund”.

Provost Jimmy Gray, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee, added: “This is an important date in the calendar of events for the City of Inverness – one that is highly valued by The Highland Council and the Kirk. It gives us the chance to recognise the valuable contributions of all faith groups, charitable agencies, voluntary organisations and, importantly, the public services, to the City of Inverness.”