The Service to mark the closing of Kincardine Church had a full Church on Sunday 13th October. The local school, Gledfield Primary, had their own special Service on Friday before the pupils broke up for their October holidays. This was very fitting as the school was used for Services while the current Church was being built in 1909.
Regular Services were conducted until the end of December 2023 when Kincardine, Croick and Edderton and Creich Church and Dornoch Cathedral were united in a new Union, the Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland on, 1st January 2024.
The Service was be led by Interim Moderator for the Dornoch Firth Parish, Rev. Alistair Drummond, and supported by Rev. Carol Anne Porter, Locum Minister for the Parish, the Rev Mary Stobo, and Amanda Anderson, Highland & Islands Presbytery Support Officer, read the official closing statement at the end of the Service before Rev. Drummond gave the final blessing in Kincardine Church.

It was a historic and emotional occasion with some in attendance who were married, some were baptised and many whose parents had gifted various items to the Church. There was time after the service where the sizeable congregation shared memories with a display of photos as they enjoyed refreshments and the usual quality spread of goodies that Kincardine are noted for.

A GOLF event and dinner has raised more than £15,000 to support the Dornoch Firth Parish.
The organisers of the fundraiser welcomed the backing from nearly 50 competitors and supportive businesses.
Royal Dornoch Golf Club teed-up access to the Struie Course and Morrison Construction, who are building the eagerly awaited new clubhouse, were the main sponsors.
Each hole was sponsored by a local trader, with Glenmorangie providing team prizes and Royal Dornoch sponsoring the longest drive and nearest the pin.
A clubhouse dinner held after the golf was attended by 59 players and supporters, with the raffle generating £1700 and the auction raising a further £3240.
An out of town bidder enjoyed a successful internet bid for a three-night stay at Knockbreck House kindly donated by Town and Country Lettings.

New clubhouse project manager Brian Harper drives off with Morrison Construction team members Mark Cooper, Scott Birch and Calum MacKay joined by RDGC general manager Neil Hampton and Dornoch Firth Parish fundraiser John McMurray.

Other items in demand were a 100-year-old ladies set of hickory clubs, with bag, and a new to the market Octogrip putter featuring the Royal Dornoch name and logo on the base.
Fundraising convener John McMurray said:  “It was a very successful event and hopefully it will become an annual fixture on the local calendar.
“The money raised will be used to continue the fine work of Dornoch Firth Parish.
“The 15-strong volunteer fundraising team, together with other helpers giving their time on the day, would like to thank all those who sponsored the event, participated, bought raffle tickets, and bid for auction items. A big ‘Thank You’ is due to them all.”
The winning Bandits team featured Derick McCaskill, Graeme Simpson, Keith Henry and Phil Prince.
The runners-up, Jeani’s team, included Jeani Hunter, Christine Cruden and Ian Roylance.
The Mairi Urquhart and Sons Funeral Group team of David Ross, Suzanne McClenaghan, Grant Geddes and Martin Geddes finished third.

The winning Bandits team pictured with Dornoch Firth Parish fundraising convener John McMurray

Former Royal Dornoch captain and Cathedral elder Willie McKay said: “It was a fitting result for the Dornoch Parish golf event to have a son and son-in-law of the late Rev Jim Simpson, the former Minister and past captain of RDGC in the team.”
Other prizewinners were – nearest the pin: John Nimmo, Balmore GC; Ladies longest drive: Fran Robertson, Royal Dornoch; Gents longest drive: Brian Harper, Strathpeffer GC.

Dornoch Cathedral Tower opens from 11am to 12.30 on Wednesday 25th September (the last market day) for the final opportunity to see Dornoch Town from the high parapet looking over the Firth, north to Ben Bhraggie and west to Struie hill and Dornoch Bridge.

Get there early and be at the front of the queue. Take time to view the beauty of the Cathedral and admire the stained glass windows.

ROYAL Dornoch Golf Club and Dornoch Cathedral share a heritage dating back hundreds of years.
Clergy lured north from St Andrews are credited with bringing golf to the Highlands.
As 2024 marks the 800th anniversary of St Gilbert laying the foundation stones, the ancient Cathedral is responding to a financial crisis.

[Golf event application form click here]

Now, the world-famous golf club is playing its part in a major fundraising drive.
On October 5, the Struie Course is hosting an event which will benefit the Dornoch Firth Parish and the Cathedral fund.

Neil Hampton, general manager at Royal Dornoch Golf Club (left), the Rev Carol Anne Porter and fundraising committee convener John McMurray launch a charity golf day to support the Highland Cathedral.

The event is being sponsored by Morrison Construction, the company building the new clubhouse, which is on target for a 2025 opening.
A four-person team challenge has been teed-up, with prizes for the top three, along with rewards for a hole in one, nearest the pin and the longest drive.
The £70 per head entry fee includes pre-round tea/coffee and a bacon roll and a one-course dinner.
In addition to a raffle, a range of items will be auctioned, including golf and in-demand whiskies.
Entry forms can be secured from fundraising committee convener John McMurray via johnmcmurray1400@gmail.com and 07801496609.
The Rev. Carol Anne Porter, locum minister, said: “We are so pleased to have support from Royal Dornoch Golf Club.
‘The club’s generosity will help us ensure the Cathedral stays open and in the best condition possible for all those who, in visiting or sharing in worship here, find peace and perspective.
“We are grateful to everyone involved organising and participating in the event.
“I’m sure it will be a memorable and enjoyable day among friends old and new.
“We are also delighted that through the support of Royal Dornoch, our main sponsor for this event is Morrison Construction, the contractors building the new clubhouse.”
Neil Hampton, general manager at Royal Dornoch, noted that the town had been built on the Cathedral and golf.
“It was worrying to learn that the Cathedral is facing financial challenges, and the club is eager to back the fundraising campaign,” he said.
“I’m confident the autumn golf day will be well supported, and some fabulous items have been secured for the raffle and the auction.
“The Cathedral dates to 1224 and, with a Grade A listing, it is regarded among Scotland’s most historic church buildings.
“The Cathedral and the golf courses are vital to the economic wellbeing of the town, attracting visitors in their droves every year.
“There have always been close ties between the church and the golf club, with several past captains serving as ministers, and local members and visitors worshipping at the Cathedral.
“Written evidence of golf being played here dates to 1616 and historians believe it was brought north from St Andrews by visiting clergymen.”
Dornoch Cathedral was at the heart of a media storm in 2000 when Madonna and Guy Ritchie chose it for the christening of their son, Rocco.
Ten years later, entrepreneur Elon Musk and Hollywood actress Talulah Riley were married and left the church in a horse-drawn carriage.
Earlier this year it emerged that a shortfall of more than £50,000 was anticipated in the kirk finances, posing a threat to the future of a popular tourist attraction staffed by volunteers which is also used for concerts and events, in addition to worship.