REFLECTIVE ROUTES

Shapinsay Kirk in Orkney has launched a new wellbeing project encouraging people to take a leisurely stroll around the island.

The Kirk has produced a booklet called Shapinsay Reflective Routes, to help both residents and visitors have a meander round the island whilst thinking mindfully about their lives.

Boasting ‘just far enough away’ as its slogan, Shapinsay is just 25 minutes by ferry from the Orkney capital, Kirkwall. Because of this, the congregation believes it is an ideal place to take a step back. It is hoped that the resource to help folks with their mental, spiritual, emotional, and physical health, adding an extra dimension to a physical walk through the beautiful, peaceful surroundings.

Suggestions for the outings, photos and illustrations were contributed by members of the community and gathered by the Kirk.

The A6 book is available locally and online, and for those who prefer bigger print sheets can be borrowed from the portacabin by the pier in Shapinsay.

The Kirk has received the bulk of its funding from the North Isles Landscape Partnership plus contributions from Shapinsay Community Council, Shapinsay Development Trust, Shapinsay Heritage, Arts and Crafts, Orkney Presbytery, Scapa Distillery, and individual local donations.

The booklet also has the support of local MSP Liam McArthur, MSP who describes it as both inspirational and thoughtful, commenting that Shapinsay’s “low lying landscape is ideal for inviting walks to increase well-being and reduce stress”.

You can buy the book online at https:// www.orcadian.co.uk/shop/guidebooksand-orkney-maps/1319-shapinsayreflective-routes.html