PILGRIM FACILITY

A Borders church has converted part of its vestry into a catering facility for walkers on a nearby pilgrim route.

Bowden Kirk sits only 200m from the St Cuthbert’s Way, the popular walk from Melrose to Lindisfarne (Holy Island). Founded in 1128, it has associations with the reformer John Knox, missionary Mary Slessor and Grisell Baillie, the Church of Scotland’s first deaconess.

The minister of Bowden and Melrose, the Rev Rosie Frew, a keen walker and part of the St Cuthbert’s Way Churches Together Group, had the idea of the church becoming a refreshment stop for walkers. It also meant the convenience of a water supply to the church (previously there was only a supply to the toilet a short distance away).

Inspired by a similar conversion to a vestry in a church in Auchtermuchty, the works were mostly funded by the charity Friends of Bowden Kirk, with a contribution from church funds.

The completion of the project was celebrated after worship on February 2.