Minister's induction bemuses tourists visiting Ardvreck Castle
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Tourists were "bemused" as a new minister was licensed in the open air at a north beauty spot.
The Rev Claire Caley was licensed in to the North West Congregations parish on the shores of Loch Assynt, near Ardvreck Castle.
Due to current social distancing rules, the Rev Caley, of the Scottish Episcopal Church was welcomed into her charge at the busy tourist attraction by Bishop Mark Strange.
A spokeswoman for the church said: "Last Saturday afternoon, on the shores of Loch Assynt near Ardvreck Castle in an open air service, Bishop Mark Strange licensed the Rev Clare Caley as priest in charge.
"The service attracted the attention of quite a few bemused but interested tourists visiting the castle.
"Their response was very positive and it added extra excitement to their visit.
"About 20 people gathered in a natural amphitheatre, seated two metres apart and wearing face coverings, for a celebration of the Eucharist. It was a perfect afternoon with the sun shining, little wind, no rain and only a little chilly, not typical weather for the north west at the end of November."
She continued: "It did not go unnoticed that Advreck was the place where James Graham, Marquis of Montrose was imprisoned when he fled there after the Battle of Carbisdale before being handed him over to the Covenanter forces and subsequent execution.
"Unlike some of the historical precedents this service was not held in secret and Bishop Mark had taken the precaution of informing Police Scotland in case passers by on the A837 thought there was an illegal rave going on.
"As the sun slipped down behind the hill the service came to a close with the blessing – a fitting end to the service and start of a new ministry in this really beautiful part of the world."
