A fascinating insight into a 19th century pilgrimage from Edinburgh to Lourdes reveals the devotion of Scotland's Catholics to Our Lady.

Around 100 lay people from across Scotland travelled together in September 1899, along with nearly 30 priests.

A report of the pilgrimage describes their "tears of joy" as they took part in the famous torchlight procession at the French holy site.

A photo of the pilgrims in Lourdes has been shared by Donald Shaw, a longtime Lourdes Pilgrim himself, and a former principal teacher at Holy Rood High School.

It was on the pilgrimage that his grandfather, Donald Stuart Shaw, manager of the Ben Nevis distillery in Fort William, met future wife Belle Barnard of Edinburgh (both highlighted, above).

The Pilgrimage

The pilgrimage was led by Archbishop Angus MacDonald of St Andrews & Edinburgh (pictured bottom left, seated between Bishop James Augustine Smith (Dunkeld Diocese, right) and Bishop Aeneas Chisholm (Aberdeen Diocese, left). Bishop Smith would later become Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh from 1900-28.

The Pilgrims first visited Paris, which included a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral.

They then headed to Lourdes with the report in The Tablet stating: "All credit is given for the cheerful manner in which they bore the great fatigue of the twenty hours' journey".

The report continues: "The first glimpse of the church of Lourdes, as its bright lights broke through the darkness of night, was hailed with an enthusiastic singing of ‘Hail Queen of Heaven.’

"During the five days' stay at Lourdes the pilgrims from Scotland occupied the place of honour in the various processions.

"On the Feast of the Nativity, the Archbishop carried the Blessed Sacrament in a procession which had a congregation of 50,000.

“The thrilling hymns, the long line of invalids on couches, the living faith and the stirring sermons, all combined to produce a scene of religious splendour never to be forgotten by those privileged to witness it.

"On the last day of the pilgrimage a Pontifical High Mass was sung by the Archbishop, the sanctuary being filled with a crowd of Scottish, Belgian, Irish, American, German and French priests.

"At the end of the Mass the magnificent banner of St Andrew with the Royal Arms of Scotland was laid on the steps before the high altar, and thus Scotland's tribute of devotion to the Mother of Jesus takes its place among the standards of the world which fulfils the words, 'Behold all nations shall call Me Blessed'.

"At the immense torch-light procession the Scots again led the procession with their three Bishops in front.

Cries were raised by the Belgians for God's blessings on the brave Scots.

"The scene baffled all description. The Aves of so many different nations, said by their tens of thousands as they moved round the beautifully illuminated buildings, rendered it impossible to restrain the tears of joy.

"Particularly impressive was the moment when Archbishop MacDonald was called upon to bless the immense multitude.

"His voice rang through the air as the kneeling crowd responded, and then fervent faith prayers were said for the conversion of Scotland and the welfare of France.

"Cries were raised by the Belgians for God's blessings on the brave Scots, and this was most heartily responded to by ringing cheers for France and Belgium.

"Never will the Scottish pilgrims forget the hospitable reception accorded them.

"It was the pride of these faithful friends of Scotland to prove that they still remembered that both nations once recognised the same faith and were the children of the beautiful and beloved Sovereign, Mary Queen of Scots.

"Headed again by the piper as he played his lament, the pilgrims bade farewell to Lourdes, each repeating, 'If God spares me, I will visit Lourdes again.'"

The Archdiocesan Pilgrimage to Lourdes takes place 11-18 July 2025 and the flight is fully booked. If you wish to take part please contact Tangney Tours on 01732 886666 and ask to be put on the waiting list. All other info at https://www.edinburgh-lourdes.com/lourdes25