The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Minister to notch up 96 miles to help the homeless
Scotland in the autumn can be a resplendent, rugged wonderland. But it can also be a landscape where the weather changes in the twinkling of an eye and it isn’t for the faint-hearted.
And yet, undaunted by that knowledge, Reverend Douglas Stevenson, minister of Cullen and Deskford Parish Church for the last seven years, is to walk 96 miles along the West Highland Way to raise money for homelessness charity The Cyrenians.
The route stretches from Milngavie on the edge of Glasgow to Fort William at the foot of Britian’s highest peak, Ben Nevis, and offers a variety of challenging terrains and breathtaking views of the Scottish Highlands.
And although Rev Stevenson fully appreciates it won’t be an easy task when he starts his trek on October 15, completing the challenge has been a long-term ambition for the minister.
He said: “For years, one of my many New Year resolutions was to walk the West Highland Way and now that I have bought the walking boots and paid my money, I also wanted to take the opportunity to support a worthwhile cause at the same time.”
The Cyrenians, an independent Scottish charity, supports those who have been excluded from their family, home, work or community, and offers them rehabilitation and a variety of other life-changing services.
The organisation’s chief executive, Ewan Aitken, whom Douglas met over 30 years ago at Edinburgh University, will accompany the minister on the trek, which they hope to complete in the space of just seven days.
Mr Aitken added: “I am very grateful to my good friend Douglas for being willing to take on this challenge. He will join the 1,000-plus volunteers who are a vital part of our ability to reach out to more folk in tough realities. Every penny we raise will help another person transform their life and find their full potential.”
The Cyrenians now offer 36 services across the country and have helped 3,629 people on their journey in the last year alone.
Rev Stevenson said: “I have known Ewan for a long time and have been aware of the excellent work that he and his staff have been doing.
“The Church has always had a priority for the excluded and those marginalised. I have been inspired by the Cyrenians’ willingness to reach out to the many who otherwise would be forgotten.”
The pair have already raised £1,100 in sponsorship, but they are hoping for more. If you want to support the two men, visit https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/ewan-aitken