A Church of Scotland minister will address what could be the biggest LGBT+ march ever held in the Highlands this weekend.
Rev. Peter Nimmo of the Old High St Stephen’s Church in Inverness is to speak at the start of the Proud Ness march, describing his presence as a “gesture of solidarity and support.”
Proud Ness comprises a day of events including a parade with up to 2,000 people marching from Falcon Square to Eden Court where the main event is being held.
Mr Nimmo said: “I was asked by the event organisers to say a few words at the start of the parade in order to show support for the LGBT community in Inverness and the Highlands.
“I feel honoured to be invited and pleased to hear that a number of clergy from the Church of Scotland and other denominations will be attending.
“Whatever our religion or worldview, each of us should search our consciences, search our beliefs, and ensure that we do speak up against hatred, discrimination and exclusion.
“And we might, for the sake of love, need to change our attitudes and take care with our words and our actions if we are to truly show that we believe that every person, whoever they are, is of equal worth.”
Mr Nimmo was invited to speak at the event before a petition by Free Church of Scotland (Continuing) missionary Donald Morrison made national headlines.
He handed the 564-signature petition to Highland Council’s legal services department to halt the Proud Ness event on “biblical, religious and moral grounds.”
His bid failed and he was later sent a parcel in the post that contained a bag of something resembling excrement and an obscene message.
Mr Morrison aimed to halt the parade for reasons of “values and common decency” but maintained: “My church has no animosity, no hatred, no loathing, no detesting of any gay person. We tell the truth, in love.”