Shapinsay Kirk, Orkney Islands Church of Scotland, is part of the Sanctuary network with the British Pilgrimage Trust, offering Shapinsay's place of worship as low-cost accommodation to pilgrims.
The church has basic sanitary facilities and a kitchen. Pilgrims are expected to bring their own bedding with them (sleeping bags, roller mats etc.) but Shapinsay kirk has 2 new basic camp beds as well.
Andrzej and Sharron were a historical first in this regard in Shapinsay last week. They were particularly struck by how quiet and warm it was inside where they slept - well shielded from the elements!
They found the Shapinsay Reflective Walks Booklet an excellent resource too. Andrzej did walk 4.
The theme was unusual and interesting and helped him reflect, tune in and be mindful of the birdsong around him.
“It got me thinking about my childhood and the past generally in terms of my experiences of song and singing,” said Andrzej.
“This booklet is probably the nicest and most handy walk booklet of its kind I have come across and would be treasured as a memento with the themes possibly being revisited outside the context of walking on Shapinsay.”
"It’s lovely that the pilgrimage themed things are working together – Sanctuary accommodation, Reflective Routes booklet and they liked the reflective space too!", said Rev Julia Meason, "The first of many pilgrims hopefully!"
