East Lothian Courier | News | Historic pilgrimage is halted

Monday, 12th May, 2008

Published: Thursday, 1st May, 2008 08:10

Historic pilgrimage is halted

THE Haddington Pilgrimage has been cancelled for the first time ever, in the face of dwindling numbers, and is unlikely to continue in its current form.

Last year the Whitekirk element of the traditional pilgrimage was axed and as May 10 approached – the date for this year’s event – organisers pulled the plug.

The pilgrimage began in 1971 as the brainchild of the 17th Earl of Lauderdale, whose ancestors were buried in the Lauderdale Aisle, an ecumenical chapel at St Mary’s Church.

In its heyday an estimated 2,000-plus took part in the international ecumenical pilgrimage from Whitekirk to Haddington.

Orthodox, Anglican, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian churches were involved in a united service of prayers, thanksgiving and healing. And over the decades, thousands testified to receiving relief from their illnesses.

The Very Rev John Cairns, chairman of the executive committee of the Haddington Pilgrimage, said: “A combination of circumstances has arisen which meant this decision was inevitable.

“We realise this will come as a great disappointment and hurt to many people and in particular to those for whom the pilgrimage has been an important part of their spiritual journey.

“It has been a difficult decision, but we are convinced that it is correct and in the best interests of everyone at this time.

Many changes

“We are engaged in a thorough evaluation of the Haddington Pilgrimage, its purpose and its place in a world that has changed so much.

“As with many other such events, numbers attending have significantly reduced over the years. Rather than simply managing a decline, we wish to discover an enlivened spiritual role for the pilgrimage.”

The pilgrimage originally focussed on three sites in East Lothian identified as holy places or shrines over the years – Whitekirk, Lennoxlove Chapel and St Mary’s.

Only 30 pilgrims took part in the inaugural event, but by 2001 it was attracting more than 2,000 people.

Many camped in the grounds of Lennoxlove House, the ancestral seat of the Dukes of Hamilton, for the weekend which culminated in a special service at St Mary’s – the Ecumenical Blessing of the Sick and Disabled.

However, by last year, the number of pilgrims had shrunk to around 300, prompting organisers to review the situation and dispense with activities at Whitekirk.

Said Mr Cairns: “It has reached the stage where we need to have a complete re-think.

“It is probably fair to say the old-style pilgrimage has run its course.

“But there is a lot of potential to modernise it for the 21st century, so this is by no means the end for the Haddington Pilgrimage.”

The committee now intends to consult widely with churches, groups and individuals that have taken part in the event, with a view to devising a new-look pilgrimage for 2009.

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