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Claire McCollum is in Perth, Scotland to explore the stunning Scone Palace and discover its rich Christian history. And JB Gill makes a splash meeting a kayaking clergyman.

Claire McCollum visits the city of Perth on the banks of Scotland's longest river, the Tay. She meets Lady Mansfield at Scone Palace and finds out more about its role in the country's religious history. Once a large abbey and religious community, it was the site of the Scottish Parliament and the crowning place of Scottish kings.

We also mark 175 years since the Free Church of Scotland was established in an event known as The Disruption and reveals the story of how its founding inspired early photography.

JB Gill meets local minister, the Rev Scott Burton, whose passion is kayaking on the River Tay. He explains to JB how the river has taught him many lessons, brought alive biblical imagery and helped shape his life and faith.

Claire also explores the Perthshire countryside on horseback and visits an inter-denominational Christian adventure camp where young people from all over Scotland, and from a range of backgrounds, come to enjoy outdoor activities and to hear the Christian message.

With hymns from Perth Cathedral, St Ninians and a performance from Ward Thomas.

Music:
Let All the World - Perth Cathedral, St Ninian's
The Church's One Foundation - St Asaph Cathedral
When I Found Jesus - Paisley Abbey
Holy, holy, holy - Hackney Empire
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise - Perth Cathedral, St Ninian's
Proof - Perth Cathedral, St Ninian's
Praise to the Holiest in the Height - Perth Cathedral, St Ninian's.

34 minutes

Stories

Scone Palace
Lady Mansfield tells Claire McCollum about the huge importance of Scone 鈥 once the site of a major religious community and Abbey, and the crowning place of Scottish Kings.

The Kayaking Minister
Rev. Scott Burton is minister of St Matthew鈥檚 Church in Perth, on the banks of the River Tay. He has a passion for kayaking and can even paddle right past the door of his church. JB goes for a paddle with him and Scott explains how the river has taught him many things about life and faith.

175 years of the Free Church of Scotland
Professor John MacIntosh explains how a dispute over 鈥榩atronage鈥 (generally state interference in spiritual matters) in the Church of Scotland led to 鈥淭he Disruption鈥, when a number of ministers formally left and established the Free Church of Scotland. The event was captured in a remarkable painting by David Octavius Hill and used early photography to compose it.

Teen Ranch
Claire hears the story of how Bob and Jenny heard a survey in Australia in which it was stated that only 5% of Brits went to church. They came over to set up a camp and ended up renovating a derelict mansion house near Perth. That was 1984 and since then young people come from all over Scotland and from all backgrounds to enjoy horse riding, water sports, shooting and more and to hear the Christian message. She also meets Jess, a 19 year old volunteer who has been going to the camp since she was 11.

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Claire McCollum
Presenter JB Gill
Executive Producer Cat Lewis
Executive Producer Emyr Afan
Producer David Waters
Series Producer Matthew Napier
Production Company Avanti Media

Broadcast