We are taking part in the Scotland Demands Better Campaign March on Saturday 25th October 2025.
We will be meeting at the Bridgend Bus stop and catching the 08.57 X7 from East Linton. We will then be heading to Parliament Square to join other Church groups before setting off at 11 am.
If you are planning on joining us, please let Lesley or Douglas know by emailing admin@parishoftraprain.org.uk
THE ROUTE
Horse Wynd – High Street – George IV Bridge – Forrest Road – Middle Meadow Walk – The Meadows
If you have restricted mobility there is the option for you to join the march where Chambers Street joins George IV Bridge. This will considerably reduce the length of the march for you whilst ensuring you are able to take part. On this reduced route there are no steep inclines and no cobbles underfoot. If you want to join at this point you should assemble at the end of Chambers Street at 11.20am (see yellow dot bellow to indicate the joining spot).
Please assemble here to join the march from 11am – stewards will be on hand to direct and support you at this point.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ!
In Luke 4 we read of Jesus returning to Nazareth, and reading from the scroll
God’s Spirit is on me;
He’s chosen me to preach the Message of good news to the poor,
Sent me to announce pardon to prisoners and
recovery of sight to the blind,
To set the burdened and battered free,
to announce, “This is God’s time to shine!”
(From The Message translation)
In Scotland we know too well that we need God to shine, to enter the hearts and homes of those who struggle against poverty and marginalisation.
In May the General Assembly endorsed Scotland Demands Better, a broad civil society movement of people and organisations seeking to transform our society and challenge the injustices which make life so much harder for people who have less to begin with.
The main part of Scotland Demands Better is a march and rally in Edinburgh on Saturday 25 October. I’m writing to you to say – you are invited! Let’s hit the streets together and show Scotland that Christians are witnesses to a God who puts the poorest and the least at the forefront. Simply turn up outside the Scottish Parliament from 1030 for a 1100 start with your banners, flags and placards. Church folk from all traditions and denominations are invited to journey together and to meet behind the visitor entrance building at this spot: https://what3words.com/wiping.small.chief
If you want to find out more, come to a special free webinar which is being organised by our Public Life and Social Justice team, on Monday 6 October at 7pm. Follow this link to register for your place.
If you can’t make it to Edinburgh on 25 October then we ask you to remember this movement in your prayers, and to spread the news among your congregation and communities. Resources for prayer and communication will be made available on a dedicated Scotland Demands Better section of the Church of Scotland website shortly. With the Scottish Parliament elections taking place in May, now is the time to get people thinking about what can be done to support our neighbours and be a visible witness to Christ’s teaching and inclusion on the streets as well as in our churches.
Questions to FaithAction@churchofscotland.org.uk or sign up to email updates from Scotland Demands Better
With every blessing to you,
Rosie Frew
Rt Rev Rosie Frew
Moderator
General Assembly of the Church of Scotland