Kirkin’ of the Tartan and Ceilidh at Presbyterian Church

The Presbyterian Church, Berkeley Springs Annual Kirkin’ of the Tartan and Ceilidh will be at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 28. Norm Weaver, guest piper, will announce the Eighth Annual Celtic Heritage Celebration with the playing of the Highland pipes at 2:30 p.m. in the courtyard. Weaver is a member of the Washington Scottish Pipe Band and piper for the Washington Saint Andrews Society and Clan Gregory, USA.

The Kirkin’ of the Tartan is a traditional blessing of the various Celtic clans with roots in the Scottish Highlands and the Borders. The Kirkin’ will be conducted by Rev. Dr. Bob Osborne. Ceilidh is Gaelic for social gathering. Folks from the Highland villages and farms still gather at a cottage or barn with their fiddles, drums, pipes and other instruments and provide their own accompaniment for singing, dancing, food and drink, and the telling of tales. Traditional airs, reels and jigs will be performed by Linda Whitesitt, Mike Kligerman and singers from the Presbyterian “Kirk on the Hill.”

The Celtic Heritage Celebration in Berkeley Springs acknowledges not only the Presbyterian connection to the Kirk of Scotland but also honors the Celtic heritage of descendants of immigrants from Scotland, Ireland, Wales and other parts of northern Europe who settled in USA and Canada. Whatever heritage, whatever ancestry, wear tartan or costume, and join the fun. Refreshments will be served following the concert. All are welcome.

This event is sponsored by Friends of the Church on the Hill Concerts and the Presbyterian Sacred Arts program. There is no admission charge. Donations are encouraged to sustain these free concerts in Berkeley Springs’ oldest historic church.

The Presbyterian Church sanctuary is located on the corner of Market Street and South Mercer Street one block east of Citizens National Bank. For more information contact: Lydia Walker 304-258-3031.