While there was a strong tradition of pilgrimage to the burial place of St Ninian in Whithorn before the Reformation, only in 1924 was the pilgrimage resumed in its modern form. 2024, therefore, marks the centenary of the re-establishment of the modern pilgrimage after the Reformation. The Bishops of Scotland have chosen to mark this anniversary by making the 2024 pilgrimage a national event and people from all parts of Scotland are invited to take part.
On Sunday 25th August, Mass will be celebrated close to St Ninian’s Cave at 4 pm with Bishop Frank Dougan of Galloway Diocese as principal celebrant. For those unable to walk to the shore Mass will be celebrated in St Martin and St Ninian’s Church, Whithorn at 4.45 pm by Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell.