Caithness churchgoer dons Maori costume to mark World Day of Prayer
A churchgoer wearing a traditional Maori costume played her part in one of the 2025 World Day of Prayer services held in Caithness.
The global ecumenical movement is led by Christian women who welcome everyone to join in prayer and action for peace and justice. A service is held annually on or near the first Friday in March.
The service for 2025 was written by a group of women from the Cook Islands in the South Pacific.
Within Pentland Parish, this year’s event was hosted by Olrig Church of Scotland in Castletown, supported by volunteers from Dunnet, Keiss and Canisbay churches.
Liz Buchan led the Olrig congregation through the service.
As a bonus, one of the parish members, Issy Currie, dressed up in her authentic Maori costume and told of her time visiting the Cook Islands while she was teaching in New Zealand. She demonstrated how Maori people keep time while singing traditional songs by swinging “poi” and tapping them against their arms and body.
After the service a feast of home-made sandwiches, pancakes and cakes was served with tea and coffee.
