We can feel helpless seeing people who are displaced, cut off from opportunities and whose studies are interrupted through circumstances outside of their control. Refugees in Scotland and elsewhere are in need of assistance in higher education. The University Chaplaincy is organising a sponsored walk to raise funds to offer educational opportunities to refugees.

We are coming together to walk, camp and take the boat to sites near Edinburgh that are associated with sanctuary, and welcome. You are invited to participate or donate.

As a City of Sanctuary, Edinburgh takes pride in welcoming global citizens in need of safety – whether that be from war, poverty, or as a result of the recent refugee crisis. The University of Edinburgh shares these values and is working to provide refugees with a wide range of educational support. The intention of this fund raising event is to increase the number of refugees accessing education through scholarships and online learning for the University's new Humanitarian Assistance Fund.

In Scotland we have, within the Celtic tradition, a strong heritage of hospitality and a commitment to education. The inspiration for the Sanctuary Walk for Refugees comes from two 6th century Celtic prophets, St Bridget and St Columba, who are both known for their practices of welcome and hospitality. 

We will be following in their footsteps. We will start in Edinburgh, camp overnight near St Bridget's Kirk in Dalgety Bay for stories and festivities, sail by boat to Inchcolm and its Abbey in the Firth of Forth and return to the Scottish Parliament where there will be speeches. The walk will remember the journeying of refugees on foot, in vehicles and by boat, in order to reach a place of sanctuary.

We invite you to take part in this walking weekend and be sponsored to complete the whole route, or by donating today.

Thank you.