Plans are underway for an LAC congregational pilgrimage to Scotland, where the theology and polity of Presbyterianism first took root.
* For more information, email Rev. Dr. Peter Bynum at pbynum@lacny.org.
* For the proposed itinerary (which is subject to change), please see below.
* Prices (which will include airfare) will be subject to the number of participants who commit to the trip.
PROPOSED ITINERARY
“Presbyterian Heritage and the Reformed Tradition in Scotland” | September 2025
This eleven-day pilgrimage provides a deep dive into the Scottish roots of the Presbyterian Church as well as its contemporary expression in the Church of Scotland. Pilgrims will also connect with the contemporary Iona community in Glasgow and on Iona. Highlights include Edinburgh and Glasgow, the Isle of Iona with its evocative abbey, and key sites related to the life and ministry of John Knox in St. Andrews and Edinburgh.
Wednesday, Day One | Depart US
We depart New York City in the late afternoon for Edinburgh. Exact flights & times TBD.
Thursday, Day Two | Arrive in Edinburgh, Glasgow
We arrive in Edinburgh this morning and leave directly for Glasgow. We will begin by connecting with members of the Iona Community to learn about their mission and ministry. After lunch (included) we’ll visit Govan Church, home of the Govan Stones – carved stones, crosses, and sarcophagi dating to the Viking period in Scotland. We’ll check into our hotel in the mid-afternoon, giving you some free time before our opening dinner (included). Overnight in Glasgow.
Friday, Day Three | Glasgow
We’ll get a slightly later start today, giving you a chance to rest after your travel and first day in Scotland. We’ll start in the mid-morning with a walking tour around Glasgow, including St. Mungo’s (Glasgow Cathedral), George Square, and other sites of interest. After lunch (included), you’ll have the afternoon and evening free to explore Glasgow and enjoy dinner on your own. Overnight in Glasgow.
Saturday, Day Four | Depart for Iona
Today is a full travel day. We depart early for Oban, the gateway to the Hebrides. We’ll travel through Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, arriving in Oban in time for you to enjoy lunch (on your own) at any of the cafes or restaurants in town. We’ll depart Oban by ferry for the Isle of Mull, travel across Mull, and arrive in Fionnphort for our final ferry of the day. We arrive on Iona in time to unpack and walk around before our dinner (included). Overnight at St. Columba Hotel.
Sunday, Day Five | Iona
We start our day with worship at the Iona Abbey. Following worship, we’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Abbey, Nunnery, and village. After lunch (included), our guide will lead a nature walk towards the south end of the island, discussing the natural history, geography, and geology of the island and the region. Dinner is included at St. Columba Hotel.
Monday, Day Six | Iona to St. Andrews
Today, we repeat our arrival travels in reverse, leaving Iona on a small ferry, traveling across the Isle of Mull, crossing from Craignure to Oban, and boarding our private coach for Dundee. We’ll stop along the way at Glencoe, site of the Massacre of Glencoe, and lunch (on your own). We’ll arrive in St. Andrews in the late afternoon. Dinner (included) at the hotel and overnight in St. Andrews.
Tuesday, Day Seven | St. Andrews
Today we travel to St. Andrews, visiting the Holy Trinity Church and (hopefully) viewing their copy of the Gutenberg Bible. We’ll visit Kingsbarns Distillery for a tour, whisky tasting, and lunch, before returning to St. Andrews for a tour of the Castle and Cathedral. The balance of your afternoon is free to explore St. Andrews. Dinner (on your own) and overnight in St. Andrews.
Wednesday, Day Eight | Perth
We depart St. Andrews for Perth and our visit to St. John’s Kirk, where John Knox preached his famous sermon on idolatry. After visiting St. John’s, we’ll have lunch (included) at the Giraffe Cafe, a social enterprise providing training and work experience to people facing barriers to employment. We depart Perth’s city center for Scone Palace. Once a Christian church, then priory, Scone Abbey was heavily damaged by a violent mob, inspired by John Knox’s sermons and reforms. We return to St. Andrew for dinner (on your own) and overnight.
Thursday, Day Nine | Edinburgh
From St. Andrews, we travel to Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh. We begin with a walking tour of the Royal Mile, including the exterior of the John Knox House, John Knox’s grave, and St. Giles Cathedral. After our time on the Royal Mile, we’ll walk to the Grassmarket for lunch at the Grassmarket Cafe. The Cafe is one of the social enterprises founded by the Greyfriars Presbyterian Church. After lunch, we’ll visit Greyfriars and learn more about the history of the kirk, the Reformation, and the community engagement work they do in their neighborhood. Dinner (on your own) and overnight in Edinburgh.
Friday, Day Ten | Edinburgh
We’ll wrap up our group touring today with a visit to Edinburgh Castle in the morning. While portions of this visit will include a guide, you will be free to explore the castle at your leisure. After providing an introduction to the Castle, our guide will depart, leaving you free to explore on your own. You have the balance of the day free to explore Edinburgh, including the Museum of Scotland, the National Galleries, and Holyroodhouse Palace. You can relax at any of Edinburgh’s lovely pubs, or board a hop-on, hop-off bus to explore the entire city. If you’d like to experience high tea, today’s the day! We’ll re-gather in the early evening to worship, reflect, and break bread together at our closing dinner. Dinner is included, overnight in Edinburgh.
Saturday, Day Eleven | Departure
We depart Edinburgh in the morning, arriving in New York in the afternoon. Exact flights and times TBD.