Pilgrimage Month 2026 at Dunfermline Abbey

Dunfermline Abbey will welcome television presenter JJ Chalmers, comedian and storyteller Bruce Fummey, and artist Joanna van den Berg during Pilgrimage Month, which runs from 1 to 23 October 2026. Centred on the theme of ‘Legacy’, the programme invites people to reflect on what legacy means to them and to hear what it means to others. Headline events include ‘An Evening with JJ Chalmers’ and ‘The Long Road to Dunfermline’ with Bruce Fummey. “This is the third year we have organised Pilgrimage Month,” said Rev Dr MaryAnn Rennie, Minister at Dunfermline Abbey. “The initiative was started two years ago to bring focus to what was traditionally a quiet month in the church calendar before Remembrance in November and Advent in December. “Pilgrimage Month has proved very popular, and a small, dedicated team of church volunteers now puts together a varied programme of activities and events. This year, we are delighted to welcome Fife artist Joanna van den Berg, comedian and storyteller Bruce Fummey, and television presenter JJ Chalmers. “Bruce is no stranger to Dunfermline Abbey and cuts a striking figure in his kilt as he leads visitors around the building. JJ is also well known to our congregation, which prayed for him and lit a candle every Sunday during the long months of his recovery and rehabilitation after the serious and life-changing injuries he sustained in Afghanistan. “We also hope the programme will raise valuable funds to support the church and its work.” Other events include pilgrim walks in Pittencrieff Park and along sections of the Fife Pilgrim Way; tours of Dunfermline Old Kirkyard led by Tombstones & Tales; and guided explorations of the church’s colourful stained-glass windows with church elder David Fraser. Guest Artist St Monans-based artist Joanna van den Berg has walked several sections of the Fife Pilgrim Way and drawn inspiration from its landscapes and stories. Joanna said: “The Fife Pilgrim Way threads coastal and rural terrain with regenerated industrial sites, Neolithic stone henges, new towns, medieval settlements and ancient sites of contemplation. It has been continuously shaped and reshaped by the footfall of pilgrims, packmen, hikers, miners, and mill and agricultural workers. “My installation at the church reflects on the traces, marks and relics of these travellers, and aims to frame transient human journeys against the more enduring, steady rumble of land, sea and climate change.” The exhibition is located in the Memorial Chapel and is open to the public from 10am to 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday, with last entry at 3.30pm. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays, and admission is free.