Local resident Hugh Lockhart is part of a group reviving the historic Edinburgh–St Andrews pilgrimage route this summer in an initiative which could, potentially, prove extremely beneficial to Broughton’s cafés, pubs, restaurants and hotels.
The group’s model is the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, revived in the 1980s. In its first year there were 68 pilgrims. Today, it attracts well over 200,000 on foot and bicycle, some 50 per cent of whom are aged under 25. The prospect of even a fraction of these numbers congregating in Broughton will bring a smile to the faces of local traders.
In the St Andrews proposal, to be piloted early this July, the route will start at the top of Broughton Street. Free accommodation and food along the 4-day route through inspiring scenery will be provided in community halls, although participants are welcome to make their own arrangements if they wish.
Whilst having originated among members of Edinburgh's Roman Catholic community, the new proposal has attracted cross-denominational support. It is intended – ‘whatever your religion or belief’ or lack thereof – as an opportunity to step out of everyday life and raise money for favourite charities.
For more information as it becomes available, see [www.thewayofstandrews.com/], and for a brief account of St Andrews the pilgrimage town [http://bbc.in/GNrMoL].
[img_assist|nid=2829|title=|desc=|link=node|align=none|width=640|height=428]