The Rt Revd Anne Dyer, Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney for the Scottish Episcopal Church, has been  in Orkney to pilgrimage with a small group along the St Magnus Way.

While out and about, it is a common thing for a Bishop to be asked to bless a child, adult or church, but not at all usual to be asked to bless a toilet.

On Thursday a small group gathered at the Fursbreck Pottery for a rather different ceremony. Long time friend to the St Magnus Way, Andrew Appleby, has been refurbishing the loo at the pottery and is making it available to all walking the St Magnus Way which is only a few hundred yards from its route.

When he heard the Bishop Anne was to be walking the Way Andrew asked if she might be willing to officially open and bless this most welcome facility. Those that have walked along the 58 mile route will know how much appreciated such a comfort stop will be.

Bishop Anne rose to the occasion with a most appropriate speech including, from the Book of Jeremiah,“Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.”

Included in the words of blessing was “vouchsafe we beseech thee, thine blessing upon this watercloset that it may be for thy people a source of comfort and ease.” which it truly will be.

The invited guests then enjoyed the hospitality of Andrew and Sigrid.

Click on this link to find out more about the St Magnus Way, or read one of several articles we have published in The Orkney News about it.