Historian to shine light on ‘magical’ glen saint links

A WELL-KNOWN historian plans to shine a light on links between ‘magical’ Wamphray Glen and historic ecclesiastical figure Saint Cuthbert.
Borders-based author and former television executive Alistair Moffat MBE will give a talk and answer questions on the subject at the open-air gathering in the shadow of Wamphray Church at 2 pm on Sunday July 19.
He will draw on his book ‘To the Island of Tides,’ which outlines the life of Saint Cuthbert from a childhood in what is now southern Scotland to his final home on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, off the Northumberland coast.
Saint Cuthbert was a complex figure within the Kingdom of Northumbria, which then covered a large part of southern Scotland, including Wamphray Glen, a noted place of worship and spiritual awareness.
Looking forward to his visit, Alistair Moffat said: “The attractions of Cuthbert’s story for me are its paradoxes. His longing for the solitary life of a hermit and the ease with which he became a prince of the church.
“His vulnerability and his iron piety, the ability to mortify the flesh but the clear doubts he had about the life of a monastic community. All of these make him a fascinating, very human figure.”
Campaigners aim to acquire the former Kirk from the Church of Scotland to develop as a centre for both the community and visitors, reflecting the glen’s potential being a magical and spiritual haven with attractive walks, sheltered from the outside world by hills and woodland.
Friends of Wamphray Church trustee Jan Hogarth hoped the event would raise vital funds for the project and, although no record of a personal visit to the glen by Saint Cuthbert had yet emerged, the place of worship had been historically dedicated to Saint Cuthbert.
She added: “Cuthbert’s connection to Wamphray through his role as Bishop in the Kingdom of Northumbria has proved a further ‘string in the bow’ for the project.
“The conversation led by Alistair will take place outdoors in a breathtaking setting overlooking ancient woodlands and the rushing Wamphray Water.
“We are encouraging guests to bring weatherproof clothing and their own outdoor seating.
“Tickets and more information can be obtained through our website at www.wamphraychurch.com or by email to [email protected]”