Fort George - 1

Fort George is one of the most outstanding fortifications in Europe. It is located about 10 miles North East of Inverness.



It was built in the wake of the 1745-6 Jacobite Rising (Battle of Culloden) as part of a concerted effort by George II's government to ensure that the Highland clans would never again rise in support of the exiled Stuart dynasty.

Michaelmas

These lovely Michaelmas Daisies remind us that today we celebrate the Feast of Sts Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael - Archangels.



Christ, the fair glory of the holy angels,
thou who hast made us, thou who o'er us rulest,
grant of thy mercy unto us thy servants
steps up to heaven.

Send thine archangel Michael to our succor;
peacemaker blessèd, may he banish from us
striving and hatred, so that for the peaceful
all things may prosper.

Send thine archangel Gabriel, the mighty;
herald of heaven, may he, from us mortals,
spurn the old serpent, watching o'er the temples
where thou art worshiped.

Send thine archangel Raphael, the restorer
of the misguided ways of men who wander,
who at thy bidding strengthens soul and body
with thine anointing.

May the blest mother of our God and Savior,
may the assembly of the saints in glory,
may the celestial companies of angels
ever assist us.

Father Almighty, Son, and Holy Spirit,
God ever blessèd, be thou our preserver;
thine is the glory which the angels worship,
veiling their faces.

Please pray for Mgr Richard Moth who is to be ordained Bishop of the Forces today. He is an Oblate of Pluscarden Abbey and I saw him on retreat when I visited the Abbey last Friday for Midday Prayer.

Happy Feast!

Corrimony Chambered Cairn - 6

The passage into the chamber was spanned by large stone lintels and you can only enter it by crawling.



Excavation in the 1950's suggested that the chamber contained just one burial, probably that of a woman. When the use of the tomb was over, a low wall was built to block the passage and the entire cairn was enclosed by a stone circle.

26th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In the New Testament reading today we think about the importance of honest work and fair pay. The following poster provides food for thought as we hear the Gospel!



Work is sweet, for God has blest
Honest work with quiet rest,
Rest below and rest above
In the mansions of His love,
When the work of life is done,
When the battle’s fought and won.

Work ye, then, while yet ’tis day,
Work ye Christians, while ye may,
Work for all that’s great and good,
Working for your daily food.
Working whilst the golden hours,
Health, and strength, and youth are yours.

Working not alone for gold,
Not the work that’s bought and sold,
Not the work that worketh strife,
But the working of a life
Careless both of good or ill,
If ye can but do His will.

Working ere the day is gone,
Working till your work is done,
Not as traffickers at marts,
But as fitteth honest hearts,
Working till your spirits rest
With the spirits of the blest.

I was rather amused when a youngster at church said that there are plenty of restrictions because of the dangers of swine flu - no sharing of the chalice, no signing with holy water, no shaking hands at the sign of peace. Why then are we still passing the collection plate around with no extra precautions? It makes you think!

Happy Sunday!

Corrimony Chambered Cairn - 5

The chamber was probably topped with a large stone slab, whose remains can be found on top of the cairn today.



This slab was decorated with a series of abstract designs known as 'cup marks'. Unusually, part of the passage to the burial chamber still remains intact.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn - 4

This monument was built about four thousand years ago and it remains are remarkably well preserved.



It is a kind of chambered tomb known as a 'passage grave'. The term is appropriate as the main features of the original monument would have been a high central chamber which was completely roofed over, and a low passage communicating with the outside world. The chamber was originally a domed or corbelled structure in which successive courses of walling sloped inwards towards the centre.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn - 3

Passage graves like Corrimony are found around the inner Moray Firth.



They may occur singly or in larger cemeteries together with monuments of other kinds. They are known as 'Calva Cairns' after the well-preserved examples at Balnuaran of Calva near Culloden. These will feature in a later posting on this blog.

I am sorry the piper was not wearing full Highland dress, but he was only out practicing. He was extremely talented and told me he was a Chief Examiner for the instrument.

Corrimony Chambered Cairn - 2

As I walked down the lane towards the cairn, I saw some cattle resting in a field.



Suddenly, I was greeted by a local piper out practicing...



...and at this sound the cattle rose to their feet and stood in a straight line.



It was a most remarkable sight! Apparently highland cattle love the sound of the bagpipes. Do click on this final photo - it is most impressive!

Corrimony Chambered Cairn - 1

Last Sunday I visited this famous cairn.



It is an excavated passage grave of probable Bronze-Age date, defined by a stone kerb and surrounded by a circle of 11 standing stones. It is located in Glen Urquhart, just over 8 miles west of Drummadrochit.

Feast of St Matthew

Today we celebrate the Feast of St Matthew - the author of the First Gospel in the New Testament. He was a tax collector before Jesus chose him as one of the twelve disciples.



He sat to watch o'er customs paid,
a man of scorned and hardening trade,
alike the symbol and the tool
of foreign master's hated rule.

But grace within his heart had stirred,
there needed but the timely word;
it came, true Lord of souls, from thee,
that royal summons, "Follow me."

Enough, when thou wast passing by,
to hear thy voice, to meet thine eye;
he rose, responsive to the call,
and left his task, his gains, his all.

O wise exchange! with these to part,
and lay up treasures in the heart;
let them of Matthew's wealth partake,
who yield up all for Jesus' sake.

Happy Feast!

25th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In today's Gospel, Jesus teaches us the importance of humility and emphasises the important place of children in the Kingdom of God.



Jesus, good above all other,
Gentle Child of gentle mother,
In a stable born our Brother,
Give us grace to persevere.

Jesus, cradled in a manger,
For us facing every danger,
Living as a homeless Stranger,
Make we Thee our King most dear.

Jesus, for Thy people dying,
Risen Master, death defying,
Lord in Heav’n, Thy grace supplying,
Keep us by Thine altar near.

Jesus, who our sorrows bearest,
All our thoughts and hopes Thou sharest,
Thou to man the truth declarest;
Help us all Thy truth to hear.

Lord, in all our doings guide us;
Pride and hate shall ne’er divide us;
We’ll go on with Thee beside us,
And with joy we’ll persevere!

Happy Sunday!

Inverness Flower Show - 15

Here is an award winning hanging basket at the show...



...very colourful!

Inverness Flower Show - 14

Here we see a very fine fuchsia at the show...



... much better looking than the rather windswept plants I added to my hanging baskets!

Inverness Flower Show - 13

On the other hand, I am very fond of dahlias...



... and so are earwigs - as I have discovered in my own garden!

Inverness Flower Show - 12

Here are some prize-winning begonias...



... though I have to admit I am not very fond of this flower. I don't know why!

Inverness Flower Show - 11

Here is the winning flower arrangement by a child...



... it shows great potential!

There's a Friend for little children,
Above the bright, blue sky,
A Friend who never changes,
Whose love will never die;
Though earthly friends may fail us,
And change thro' passing years,
This Friend is always worthy
Of that dear name He bears.

There's a rest for little children
Above the bright, blue sky,
Who love the blessed Saviour,
And to the Father cry;
A rest from every turmoil,
From sin and sorrow free,
Where every little pilgrim
Shall rest eternally.

There's a home for little children,
Above the bright, blue sky,
Where Jesus reigns in glory,
A home of peace and joy;
No home on earth is like it,
Nor can with it compare,
For every one is happy,
Nor could be happier there.

There's a crown for little children,
Above the bright, blue sky,
And all who look for Jesus
Shall wear it by and by;
A crown of brightest glory,
Which He will then bestow
On those who found His favour,
And loved His name below.

There's a song for little children,
Above the bright, blue sky,
A song that will not weary,
Though sung continually;
A song which even angels
Can never, never sing,
They know not Christ as Saviour,
But worship him as King.

Feast of the Holy Cross

Today we celebrate the Victory of the Cross.



Refrain:
Lift high the cross,
the love of Christ proclaim
till all the world adore
his sacred Name.

Come, brethren, follow where our Captain trod,
our King victorious, Christ the Son of God. Refrain

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
the hosts of God in conquering ranks combine. Refrain

Each newborn soldier of the Crucified
bears on the brow the seal of him who died. Refrain

This is the sign which Satan's legions fear
and angels veil their faces to rever. Refrain

Saved by this Cross whereon their Lord was slain,
the sons of Adam their lost home regain. Refrain

From north and south, from east and west they raise
in growing unison their songs of praise. Refrain

O Lord, once lifted on the glorious tree,
as thou hast promised, draw the world to thee. Refrain

Let every race and every language tell
of him who saves our souls from death and hell. Refrain

From farthest regions let their homage bring,
and on his Cross adore their Savior King. Refrain

Set up thy throne, that earth's despair may cease
beneath the shadow of its healing peace. Refrain

For thy blest Cross which doth for all atone
creation's praises rise before thy throne. Refrain

Happy Feast!

24th Sunday of Ordinary Time

Todays New Testament reading encourages us to do something practical to help the hungry, cold, and homeless people who live on our streets.



When I needed a neighbour
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a neighbour
Were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won't matter
Were you there?

I was hungry and thirsty
Were you there, were you there?
I was hungry and thirsty
Were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won't matter
Were you there?

I was cold, I was naked
Were you there, were you there?
I was cold, I was naked
Were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won't matter
Were you there?

When I needed a shelter
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a shelter
Were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won't matter
Were you there?

When I needed a healer
Were you there, were you there?
When I needed a healer
Were you there?
And the creed and the colour
And the name won't matter
Were you there?

Wherever you travel
I'll be there, I'll be there.
Wherever you travel
I'll be there.
And the creed and the colour
And the name won't matter
I'll be there.

Happy Sunday!

Inverness Flower Show - 10

This was the winning arrangement in the elderly persons category...



... and no, it was not done by me!

Inverness Flower Show - 9

Here is the Gold Medal flower display.



This clever display makes use of tartan - a sure winner in the Scottish Highlands!

Inverness Flower Show - 8

This display was awarded a Bronze Medal...



... it is now on display in the entrance hall of St Columba's Culloden. The Silver Medal display can be seen in St Mary's Inverness.

Inverness Flower Show - 7

We are blessed in having a most talented flower arranger at St Columba's Culloden. Sadly, she was not awarded a Gold Medal this year, but gained both Silver and Bronze Medals for two of her displays.



Here is the striking arrangement which was awarded a Silver Medal. Well done!

Inverness Flower Show - 6

Today, as we celebrate the Birthday of Mary, it is perhaps a little too early for the apple harvest...



... but these late-August fruits point to a bumper crop on the way.

Adam lay ybounden,
Bounden in a bond;
Four thousand winter
Thought he not too long.
And all was for an apple,
An apple that he took,
As clerkës finden written
In their book.

Nor had one apple taken been,
The apple taken been,
Then had never Our Lady
A-been heaven's queen.
Blessed be the time
That apple taken was.
Therefore we may singen
Deo gratias!

Happy Feast!

Inverness Flower Show - 5

Another First Prize display of vegetables.



Although I have been told to consider entering my runner beans in next years show, I have to report that my carrots this year would have won the booby prize!

23rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

Today we hear of Jesus giving clear speech and hearing to a deaf man who had a speech impediment.



O for a thousand tongues to sing
my dear Redeemer's praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!

Jesus! the Name that charms our fears
and bids our sorrows cease;
'tis music in the sinner's ears,
'tis life and health and peace.

He speaks, and listening to his voice,
new life the dead receive;
the mournful broken hearts rejoice,
the humble poor believe.

Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb,
your loosened tongues employ;
ye blind, behold, your Saviour come;
and leap, ye lame, for joy!

My gracious Master and my God,
assist me to proclaim
and spread through all the earth abroad
the honours of thy Name.

Happy Sunday!

Inverness Flower Show - 4

A special treat for any Welsh viewers of this blog...



... prize winning leeks!

Inverness Flower Show - 3

Drop, drop, slow tears...



.. not with these onions - I think the tears will be flowing very quick!

Inverness Flower Show - 2

As you can see...



... this fine display of fruit and vegetables won first prize!

Inverness Flower Show - 1

Inverness Flower Show was held at Inverness High School during the Late Summer Bank Holiday weekend...



... as you are about to see, the standard was very high!

The Queen at Balmoral

It is great to know that The Queen will be spending the whole of September in residence at Balmoral Castle.



To Thee, our God, we fly
For mercy and for grace;
Oh, hear our lowly cry
And hide not Thou Thy face!
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Arise, O Lord of hosts,
Be jealous for Thy name
And drive from out our coasts
The sins that put to shame.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Thy best gifts from on high
In rich abundance pour
That we may magnify
And praise Thee more and more.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

The powers ordained by Thee
With heavenly wisdom bless;
May they Thy servants be
And rule in righteousness!
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

The Church of Thy dear Son
Inflame with love's pure fire;
Bind her once more in one
And life and truth inspire.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

The pastors of Thy fold
With grace and power endue
That, faithful, pure, and bold,
They may be pastors true.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

O let us love Thy house
And sanctify Thy day,
Bring unto Thee our vows,
And loyal homage pay.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Give peace, Lord, in our time;
Oh, let no foe draw nigh,
Nor lawless deed of crime
Insult Thy majesty.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

Though vile and worthless, still
Thy people, Lord, are we;
And for our God we will
None other have but Thee.
O Lord, stretch forth Thy mighty hand
And guard and bless our Fatherland.

I pray that Her Majesty enjoys a peaceful month with us in the Hills of the North.