St Columba's by the Castle

01/06/2026

It's so bad that it's good!

The O.T. lesson for Trinity Sunday, Genesis 1:1 -- 2:4a.

01/06/2026

🌈 Pride Month starts today

In some parts of the world, being LGBTQ+ is still illegal.
That’s why Pride isn’t just a party.

It’s visibility.
It’s community.
It’s solidarity.
It’s protest.

And it’s a reminder that everyone deserves the freedom to be themselves.

Happy Pride Month, Edinburgh 💛

25/04/2026

Lothian Road mid to late 1800s, looking to Princes Street in the distance. It's a rather Intriguing photo taken from a framed print showing Lothian Road. Rather than today's railings, the St Cuthbert's churchyard is protected by a stone wall. St John's Episcopal Church, seen here in full, was built in 1818 and, at the time this scene was snapped, would be well under 100 years old - between 50 to 75 years old. (Off hand I think it cost about £18000, if I remember correctly.) Off the left edge of this photo, where the Caledonian Hotel stands today, would have been the early versions of Princes Street station.
Image - framed print.

25/04/2026

This Friday 1st May - a night of `musical magic'
Make sure to read the notices...you'd hate to miss a fun night out 🎶☺️❤️

25/04/2026

Stop it...too cute 🥺

Penguin chick season has officially begun at Edinburgh Zoo, where two Northern rockhoppers weighing just 63g and 95g have hatched just in time for World Penguin Day tomorrow, Saturday 25th April!

Born to parents Bruce and Pinhead, and Wesley and Penny, the new hatchlings are already wooing keepers with their personalities.

Read more: https://www.whatsoninedinburgh.co.uk/news/2026/04/24/penguin-chicks-weighing-the-same-as-a-kiwi-fruit-have-hatched-at-edinburgh-zoo/

25/04/2026

'One of our less known but longstanding commitments is Camas, our off grid centre just a few miles up the coast on Mull. Its future hangs in the balance. In a time of climate crisis it’s a resource we are so fortunate to have and I believe it is vital for our Christian witness...'

Liz Gibson, Eco CCN moderator for the Iona Community, shared these powerful words in a reflection in Iona Abbey on the day after Earth Hour. On this Earth Day we share more of Liz's reflection here: https://iona.org.uk/camas-companion-earth-day/

Today is Earth Day. What a great day to find out more about Camas and become a Camas Companion! Keep this amazing ecological, off-grid centre going for generations to come: https://iona.org.uk/camas-companions

Image: Chapel of the Nets at Camas, fishing nets arranged around a room with a wooden floor with a centre piece of a guitar and other items.Sunlight spills onto the floor.

22/04/2026

22/04/2026

The life of a Rectory dog 😎

22/04/2026

Happy Earth Day 🌱

Earth Day 2026 is a call to act now 🌿🌏

We already feel the effects of environmental challenges in our daily lives, from polluted air to unsafe water and stronger climate impacts. When protection is not strengthened, communities are affected first.

But change is always possible when people come together.

“Our Power, Our Planet” reminds us that every choice matters—when communities protect forests and watersheds, when groups lead cleanups, and when individuals make everyday choices that care for the environment. In return, a healthy planet gives us clean water, food, and protection.

The actions we take today shape the future we all share.