800 YEARS CELEBRATIONS
2024 marks the 800th Anniversary of the first stones of the Cathedral building being laid
St Gilbert’s Pilgrimage
Join us on a virtual pilgrimage from Halkirk to Dornoch through the month of March as part of our 800th year commemorations. In 1224 St Gilbert moved the seat of the diocese from Halkirk to Dornoch. Download the maps below and follow it at your own pace, marking off your own daily distances, whether walking the dog or popping to the shops. The way marker flags will let you see how far along the route you have come, and we’ve added some views of the route with suggested prayer points for all to share in this reflective journey. It’s not a race, but come Easter we will see how many miles we’ve covered as a group. Let us know how you get on. Later this summer a few hardy souls aim to walk this route. Happy travelling pilgrims!
It is uncertain how long it took to fully complete the Cathedral, but by 1239 the building was far enough along for the first service to be held. Gilbert died in 1245. He was later recognised as “one of the noblest and wisest ecclesiastics the medieval church produced” and was the last Scotsman to whom a place was given in the Calendar of Saints.
The first stone of Dornoch Cathedral was laid in 1224.
800 years ago!
Lets celebrate!!
800 Years Celebration Activities
The Gallery…
Here’s some great pictures of the 800 year celebrations starting with a group shot in the Cathedral with the Moderator of the Church of Scotland who visited for the events (events list below).
The Events …
| Saturday 30th March | ||
| Playing 2005 Songs of Sutherland DVD | West Church Hall | 2.30 – 3.30 pm |
| Stories and Songs – “Darkness to Light” | West Church Hall | 4.00 – 5.00 pm |
| The Labyrinth | Dornoch Cathedral | 5.00 – 7.00 pm |
| Sunday 31st March | ||
| Easter Sunrise Service | The Beach Car Park | 6.35 am |
| Easter Day Morning Worship | Dornoch Cathedral | 11.00 am |
| Soup & Sweet Lunch in aid of Christian Aid | West Church Hall | 12.30 pm |
| Songs of Praise | Dornoch Cathedral | 6.30 pm |
| Monday 1st April | ||
| Children’s Treasure Hunt | Dornoch Cathedral | 2.00 – 4.00 pm |
| Concert with Local Artists | Dornoch Cathedral | 7.00 pm |
| Tuesday 2nd – Sunday 7th April | ||
| Flower Festival | Dornoch Cathedral | 9.00 am – 5.00 pm |