Shetland Pilgrimage

Holy islands in Northern Scotland

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Shetland Pilgrimage Newsletter.

Who we are.

An ecumenical group in Shetland has set up a SCIO (Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation) to encourage a spirit of pilgrimage in these islands.  The statement of purpose, agreed with OSCR in March 2026, is:

  • To promote awareness of and participation in the natural, spiritual and cultural heritage of Shetland.
  • To establish a network of physical and virtual pilgrim routes in these islands by engaging with organisations, agencies and communities for the benefit of the general public.

Shetland Pilgrimage has been set up as a two-tier SCIO with Members and Trustees.

  • Members: Elect the board of trustees, attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM), and have the power to approve major decisions or constitutional amendments. Membership is open to anyone who shares the principles given in the statement of purpose given above.  There will be an annual subscription to cover the administrative costs of the SCIO. The rate has not yet been determined.
  • Trustees: Responsible for managing the charity, supervising activities, monitoring finances, and ensuring compliance with charity law.

Trustees

Graham Booth

As founder and chair of Shetland Pilgrimage I have had a developing interest in Pilgrimage and Retreat ministry for 20 years. Firstly on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne and for the last 10 years as an Episcopal priest in Shetland. As residents in Fetlar and owners of The Glebe, previously the West Manse, Ruth and I run our home as a quiet house of prayer and retreat which is often visited by pilgrims. www.shetlandretreat.com.

Ruth Booth

I have been interested in Shetland's Christian heritage, especially its early Celtic roots. Exploring and walking the beautiful Shetland landscape is restorative for me and I believe Shetland Pilgrimage will help others enjoy Shetland's spiritual heritage. As Chair of trustees of Friends of Fetlar Kirk, a community owned charity, I believe our kirk 's role in pilgrimage in the future will be important.

Michele Simms

I am from Birmingham and have lived in Shetland since 2020 having moved from Derbyshire. I love connecting with nature, with the stories in the landscape, with the seasons and the elements. I am excited by the variety and close proximity of the wildlife here and the moods of the sea & landscape in the constantly changing weather & light.

I have found pilgrimage to be a nourishing ancient practice that offers a physical way to access timeless truths that make sense to the core of our being, bringing meaning and peace in a troubled world.

Jenny Murray

Jenny is a Shetlander with a lifelong passion for the Islands' history and culture, studying various aspects of Shetland's archaeology collection and church history. She is Curator of Collections (Archaeology) at Shetland Museum and Archives.

Martin Randall

Helen Randall