Scottish Catholic Observer

The pilgrimage will arrive at Pluscarden Abbey at around 2.30pm on Friday September 1, where a stone from the Abbey in Burgundy where Pluscarden’s founding monks are based, has been carried back to Aberdeenshire, will be handed over to the monks.

The stone, which has travelled from the original Valliscaulian Abbey at Val-des-Choux with the Pluscarden 1230’s dedicated group of pilgrims, will serve as the foundation stone for the final restoration that is planned.

It will be carried over the final mile Al Monkman of Garmouth and Maria Byron from Buckie, who have completed at 1,400 miles of the pilgrimage, with Mr Monkman accompanied by his dog, Rinnes.

The lead up to September 1, the 89th day of the pilgrimage, saw week 13 walkers spend an overnight at Drumnadrochit, travelling to Beauly Priory, and spending more overnights at Old Allangrange with David and JJ Gladwin, at Cawdor Castle, and at Logie with Alasdair and Panny Laing.

Beginning in Logie, the group will journey via Rafford to the Abbey, where they will be joined throughout the journey by walkers from different weeks, ardent supporters, and by the children at Mosstowie Primary School.

A large number of supporters and well-wishers are due to come and cheer on the final leg of Pluscarden 1230 including former pilgrims, appeal committee members, locals from Moray, and the primary school.

After a gate opening ceremony and the handing over of the stone to the monks, a message will be read out to those gathered from the pilgrimage’s royal patron, Her Royal Highness Prince Michael of Kent, before a celebratory barbecue is held for all the pilgrims and their supporters.

To mark the final day, supporters are invited to join with the walkers as they complete the journey on September 1, with the opportunity to join the group at one of three different starting points.

Logie Steading will be for those already taking part in the last week of the pilgrimage, those who have walked previously in France and the UK throughout the 13-week journey, or for those who wish to take part in the 15-mile leg of the pilgrimage.

Those interested should assemble at Logie Steading by 9.45am to start walking between 10am and 10.15am, reaching Rafford village hall between 12pm and 12.15pm.

At Rafford village hall, the group will be joined with those who would like to complete the final six miles of the pilgrimage, including the pupils of Mosstwoie Primary School.

The back entrance to Westerton is also available for those who want to participate in the last mile, which includes those who require the use of mobility scooters or wheelchairs.

Those wishing to join in the final day’s walk must let the appeal office know by Monday, August 28 in order to coordinate numbers.