Twinned town delegation to take part in Kirking of the Council.
The Mayor of St Valery en Caux, Mr Gèrard Mauger and a delegation from Inverness’s twinned town are to take part in the Kirking of the Council, which will take place in Inverness on Sunday 8 September 2013.
The annual event will be marked with colour and pageantry as the combined pipes and drums of the Royal British Legion and City of Inverness Youth Pipe Bands lead uniformed youth groups from the Town House along the riverside and down Church Street to the Old High Kirk – the oldest church in the city.
Provost of Inverness Councillor Alex Graham said: “It will be a great pleasure to welcome our friends from St Valery en Caux to Inverness at a time when they can take part in this historic local ceremony. The connections between Inverness and St Valery-en-Caux are very strong, dating back to wartime when soldiers of the 51st Highland Division were captured there in 1940.
“We are looking forward very much to welcoming Mayor Mauger together with Depute Mayors Mme Marie-Ange Desse and Mr Benoît Poidevin and Town Councillor Mr Fabien Robert to Inverness. Their visit will help to strengthen the well-established and historic links between our communities and countries.
“This is the second occasion in recent years that visitors from a twin town have been here for the Kirking - in 2011 a delegation from our other French twin town La Baule took part in the ceremony.”
Pupils and Head Teachers from the city’s primary and secondary schools, together with Highland Councillors in traditional red robes and Council officials will join the procession from the Town House to be greeted at the Old High Kirk by the Reverend Peter Nimmo, Minister of Old High St Stephen’s Church and by the Reverend Colin Macleod, Minister of the Free North Church.
Mr Nimmo, who is a key partner in planning for this event, said: “The Kirking is open to everyone, but I'd especially like to invite anyone who works in the public sector to join us as we affirm the work they do. These are difficult times for the public sector, with public sector workers faced with squeezed budgets, yet, at the same time, increasing demands. The Kirking is a time to give thanks for and to pray for all who provide vital public services, through The Highland Council and other agencies.”
Previous years have seen the route along High Street; Bridge Street; Bank Street; Fraser Street and Church Street lined with onlookers as the 200 strong procession made its way from the Town House to the Old High Kirk and on its return after the Kirking Service. Visitors to the City and locals alike were clearly enthralled and excited about this colourful event with an array of cameras busy taking shots, particularly of the Provost, Councillors and University professors in ceremonial dress.
There is added colour and spectacle again this year with the addition of primary school pupils from Cannich Bridge; Cauldeen; Farr; Lochardil; Kinmylies; and Milton of Leys all joining the procession waving their school flag. Some will also wave their Eco School flag.
The Kirking of the Council is a significant annual event in the life of the City of Inverness, rooted in a tradition dating back some 400 years. During the ecumenical service we seek God’s blessing on the work of elected Members and officials and on the life of our city. It is also an opportunity for the Council to recognise the contributions of all faith groups and voluntary organisations within the City of Inverness and give thanks for these.
The Kirking of the Council is held on the second Sunday in September each year and is an important date in the calendar of events for the City of Inverness. It is an occasion that is highly valued by the Council, the Kirk, and the local community.
The parade begins from the High Street at 10.45am. The service in the Old High Church, which is open to all, begins at 11.15am.