A north-east churchman has embarked on an epic pilgrimage to raise funds to restore a historic artwork in his kirk.
The Very Reverend Canon Emsley Nimmo yesterday began walking the length of several Hebridean islands, in the footsteps of a revered Scots saint, to raise the funds to renovate a cherished stained glass window in St Margaret’s Church, Aberdeen.
The Scottish Episcopal Dean of Aberdeen and Orkney said £10,000 was needed to carry out the restoration of the east window in the kirk’s Holy Name Chapel.
He will be undertaking the walk in the footsteps once trod by sixth century Irish missionary, Saint Moluag, who is credited with evangelising the Picts of Scotland.
The window is considered a perfect example of the arts and crafts movement and was created by Aberdeen-born Gothic revival architect, Ninian Comper.
However, Canon Nimmo said it was being compromised by oxidisation and “wear and tear”.
His fundraising journey will take him from Raasay through to Skye, and on to the Isle of Pabbay in the Sound of Harris before his finishing point at the Great Temple of Moluag in Lewis.
Canon Nimmo said: “We need to get it restored, because it is distinctive in the arts and crafts movement in Scotland. It was actually [created] in memory of his father, John Comper, and his mother, Ellen.
“I am hoping to raise £10,000 for the repairs. It is an important piece of religious art.
“The walk will be a spiritual experience. It ties in with what the saint achieved in his life, but it is also visiting the roots of our culture in Scotland.
“And the best way to appreciate the land is to walk on it and across it.”
He added: “It is also a good opportunity to meet people and interact with people on the way.
“It has got people thinking about the history and importance of religion on Scottish culture.”
The trip is expected to take about 12 days.
He will be joined by two members of his congregation, staying at the homes of friends along the route.
Last year Canon Nimmo successfully raised the funds needed to restore another iconic piece of Comper’s work in his church’s convent chapel, trekking in the footsteps of St Magnus.
The year before, he embarked on a similar pilgrimage from Aberdeen to the Isle of Lismore to raise funds for St Andrew’s Cathedral.
Donations can be made at:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/deanswalkmoluag2