Kirkin' Services Kick Off Highland Games Week

While Dunedin’s Highland Games & Festival is still a week away, two local churches plan to kick things off early with Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans services set for this Sunday.

Kirkin’ services are a time-honored tradition that involves a presentation of lengths of tartans to an altar rail for a blessing, according to the Scottish Tartans Museum. Specific service formats can vary, but the occasion usually includes a procession to pipes, several prayers and a message about Scottish heritage from the chaplain, in addition to the blessing, the museum notes.

The origins of the tradition remain rather murky, the organizers of the Dunedin Highland Games admit. Some say it dates back to the English Act of Proscription in 1746 that forbade Highlanders from wearing any sign of the tartan or speaking Gaelic in punishment for an attempted overthrow of King George II. Others, however, claim Kirkin’ ceremonies got their start as a Scottish-American custom during World War II.

Regardless of origins, Kirkin’ services are set to take place this Sunday, March 22, at:

• First Presbyterian Church of Dunedin, 455 Scotland St., at 10:30 a.m.
• Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 750 San Salvador Drive, at 9:30 a.m.

Both churches welcome all denominations for the services.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, 639 Edgewater Drive, also plans a Kirkin’ ceremony on March 29 at 10 a.m. The Episcopalian church also welcomes all denominations.

This year’s Highland Games are set for March 28. For more information, visit the games’ website.

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