The Christian roots of Highland Culture will be celebrated by a new book to be launched as part of Highland Year of Culture.

The book is the work of an ecumenical group of Christians under the banner of “Highland Faith”. The aim is to celebrate the many influences which the Christian faith has played in the development of Highland culture. The influences have been widespread and considerable.

In publishing this guide, they hope to encourage people not only to read it, but to go out and visit the sacred places which have been formative for faith in the Highlands. The Very Revd Alex Gordon, Provost of St Andrew’s Cathedral and a member of the group from the different churches who have been working on the book said: “Researching this book has been a fascinating experience and has made me realise just how important our Christian roots here in the Highlands are.”

Alison Magee, chair of Highland 2007, said: “The publication of The Sacred Highlands Guide is just one of a series of exciting events celebrating Christian aspects of Highland culture in 2007. It is an excellent book, certain to be of interest to Highland residents as well as visitors, encouraging all to explore the Christian heritage of the area.”

The Sacred Highlands Guide is a comprehensive guide to all the churches in the Highlands that are part of the Scottish Churches Scheme. It also features the ancient places of pilgrimage associated with Christian missionaries like Columba, Ninian, Donnan, Maelrubha and Duthac.

The Sacred Highlands Guide will be launched at 2.30pm on Monday 2nd April in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Ness Walk, Inverness. The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Revd Dr Idris Jones, and Dr Brian Fraser of Scotland’s Churches Scheme will be present and an invitation is extended to everyone interested.

The book has been published with funding from Highland 2007, VisitScotland and others, and is free of charge. It will be available from churches and other locations throughout the Highlands.

For further information please contact: The Very Revd Alex Gordon - 01463 233535 - 07917 668918 Canon Len Black, Highland Faith Press Officer - 01463 233797 - 07836 365719 Photo Opportunity: 2.30pm on Monday 2nd April in St Andrew’s Cathedral, Ness Walk, Inverness.