This is the first part of three routes, following the way of St Colomba, from St Andrews to his original setting off point, on the island of Iona.

I arrived at the coastal town of St Andrews on a cloudy, cool April morning. Went past the shops and cafes to the sea front where I was to begin the cycle pilgrimage.

The town has been linked to the Saint, since the early years of Christianity in Scotland. The cathedral ruines were quite large and extensive and as I understand was the most important cathedral up until the reformation. (1517 – 1648) I wondered about him as a fisherman during the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, being off on an adventure. Looking up at the soring seagulls and grand towers, I reflected on the images of nature and man’s creation to honour the saintly. Perhaps there will be a renewed interest in the grand ideas of the past?

The next day I cycled northwards over the Tay Estuary road bridge to Dundee, where I would complete the first route. Being in the area sheltered from the elements, the town had grown to be a ship building centre, including the RRS Discovery and Terra Nova. They took explorers such as Scott and Sheckleton to Antarctica and continued building wooden hull ships long after iron had most superceded them.

A couple of figures that I found interesting were: 1. George Wisart: (1513 – 1546) he was an early preacher and minister who stayed on during the plague, when many fled. I felt abit sorry that the arch in his memory was sorrounded by modern concrete offices, built in recent years.  2. Mary Slessor: (1848 – 1915) She was from a poor background, inspired by exporers such a David Livingstone, became a missionary to Calabar in South-East Nigeria. She lived in a frugal way and helped set up small schools, churches and outposts in that region.