Kirk plans park event

THE Church of Scotland is to stage a major event in Princes Street Gardens, coinciding with its General Assembly, for the third year running.

Planning is already under way for the “Heart and Soul” celebration on May 19.

In recognition of the 1450th anniversary of St Columba’s arrival in Scotland, on Iona, the event aims to highlight the importance of Celtic Christianity with themes including hospitality, pilgrimage, journeying, healing and wholeness, as well as care for creation, inclusive community, prophecy and being “on the edge”.

The Princes Street Gardens events, which draw people from across Scotland as well as those attending the Assembly, were launched after the traditional garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse was scrapped due to cuts.