Wellwishers have helped an Edinburgh-based priest smash a fundraising target to help the poorest parish in Kathmandu.
Fr Ninian Doohan aimed to raise £750 for the community project at St Ignatius' Church in the Nepalese capital and hit the heights after receiving more than £5,000!
He arrived in Nepal on Friday and has been posting updates on social media ahead of a trip to Everest base camp.
He said: "In the last few days I’ve been soaked on the back of a motorbike getting to know the church communities better, traversing roads (rocks with mud on top!), and had the privilege of being with different families to enjoy their hospitality.
The community project is part of a Jesuit Mission and a broader network of activities supports mobile clinics, special schools, and the general material welfare of the people.
The trip to Nepal was inspired after baptising Gele Bishokarma from Nepal in 2023 at St Patrick’s in the Cowgatre, where Fr Ninian is based.
He said: "I promised him that I’d meet him on his own native soil, and I’d like to help the Church there in any way I can with a small mission, at least to just see our Catholic Faith lived out in the highest point on Earth."
After several days in Kathmandu Fr Ninian flew on Wednesday (7 May) to Lukla on a 13-day round trip that will take in Everest based camp.
He said: "Modern amenities work even in remote settings, the first tweet from the peak of Everest was sent in May 2011, so I may just find out who the new Pope is by the time I reach Everest Base Camp.
"Prayers assured on what is a pilgrimage of prayer."
To donate to the community project at St Ignatius' Church in Nepal click here. Follow Fr Ninian's journey on Facebook and Instagram.