The Kirking of the Council

Colour and pageantry will mark the occasion of the Kirking of The Council on Sunday 12 September 2010 in Inverness.

Combined Pipe Bands of the Royal British Legion and Northern Constabulary will lead uniformed youth groups along High Street and down Church Street to the Old High Kirk – the oldest church in the city.

Uniformed youth groups, together with officials and Councillors in bright red robes, will join the procession from the Town House at 10am to be greeted at the Old High Kirk by Reverend Peter Nimmo, Minister of the Old High St Stephen’s Church and Father James Bell, Priest of St Mary’s Catholic Church.

The service starts at 10.30am and pupils from Lochardil primary School choir will sing “Praise the Lord in the rhythm of your music”. Inverness Salvation Army Band will also be playing at the Service.

The Reverend Nimmo, who is a key partner in planning the event, said: “Whether you are a participant or spectator, the sense of occasion is magnificent during the Kirking of the Council. I look forward to welcoming people of all faiths or none to this historic and important event in the life of our city.”

Provost Jimmy Gray, chairman of The Highland Council’s Inverness City Committee, said: “The Kirking ceremony is an historic yet very meaningful event, when councillors and officials annually commit themselves to serving the people of Inverness in a very public way. The event helps to reinforce the message of commitment while providing an attractive and enjoyable event for all.”

For further information on:
• Old High St Stephen’s Kirk, Inverness go to:  http://www.oldhighststephens.com/
• St Mary’s Catholic Church Inverness, go to: http://www.stmarysinverness.co.uk/