Will you forgive me?
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Will you forgive me for using this wee corner of the Raggie to write very personally to people, too many to mention, whom I cannot thank enough?
This past week has to count as one of the most amazing weeks of my life.
It started on the Sunday when I was presented with the most beautifully embroidered stole from the congregation. Then the family descended and friends from afar afield as Ohio, Manchester, London and Penicuik with cards and good wishes from many more corners of the globe came winging my way.
And brilliant though all that was there was even better to come.
Last Wednesday evening was totally amazing!
A wonderful meal was served for those who had travelled, prepared by members of the Deacons’ Court. Fantastic food!
Then there was the service itself with a church packed with so many friends from many congregations and the wider community. The singing was roof-lifting and the choir brilliant including a very special anthem.
Just when I thought things couldn’t possibly get any better, we left the Cathedral to be greeted by champagne and soft drinks and canapés made by the young women’s group and served by the Boys’ Brigade – and then the Pipe Band struck up!
You have no idea how utterly spoiled I felt. And still feel.
All of that was followed by celebrations on the Cathedral Green sponsored, so I am told, by so many local business and individuals and open to all.
It was mind-blowing to see such a large gathering and the amount of work that must have gone in to all that happened is breathtaking.
I am so grateful to so many people from the local shops, bakers and butchers, to the hotels in Dornoch, a certain private members’ club, local cafés and restaurants, North Highland College and to Dornoch Academy and the Ceilidh Band.
Then there are all those who set up, served, cooked, washed up, and then tidied up afterwards – a whole army of willing volunteers from the whole community whom I can’t thank enough.
But it was all those who came along who made a special evening even more special still. Your presence in the Cathedral and on the Green was what really made my night.
The other Chaplains who had travelled from all over Scotland and even from the States have each written to express their thanks to the people of Dornoch for the warmth of their welcome and they say this is one installation that will live long in their memories!
I owe an enormous debt of gratitude to you all – especially to those who had the responsibility of organising things and drawing them all together. You put in so much thought, time and effort and it is deeply appreciated.
Dornoch, I suspect, in this regard is no different from other parts of Sutherland – you are all enormously kind and generous. I feel so touched and overwhelmed that the two simple words "thank you" just don’t seem enough – but they are said sincerely and with love,
Thank you! All of you.
Susan Brown
