Many people belong to a book club—or have a long list of books they hope to read. One title you may want to add before the Gathering is The Bay of the Deceptive Mist. Set in Dundee, it also explores one character’s relationship with Methodism. As described, ‘Robert Rab Munro’s only refuge is the sea. Aboard the Dundee clipper Grissel Jaffray, Munro’s life as a sailor—marked by brawls and brothels—is familiar chaos until a mysterious card inscribed with religious verses and a strange castaway challenge everything he knows. As theGrissel Jaffray sails through storms both literal and spiritual, the card’s cryptic changes suggest a divine test. Munro believes Death awaits him on land. Soon, he confronts the Seven Deadly Sins personified among the crew—and within himself. With each choice, the veil between superstition and truth grows thinner. A story of survival and faith.’ Author Malcolm Archbauld will lead a workshop on Saturday afternoon.
The Gathering traditionally begins with a ceilidh on Friday evening, and this year is no exception. Alternatively, you may prefer to attend a lecture at Roseangle Gallery, marking the opening of the Methodist Art Collection’s tour in Scotland.
For those attending with young people or children, a dedicated programme of activities will run on Saturday, with details to be announced shortly. The children’s work will be coordinated by Emma Williams, who attended the Gathering in Stirling. The young people’s Saturday programme will take place at the Friends Meeting House, just a two-minute walk away. Alongside activities focused on climate change and poetry, there will also be an opportunity to engage with the Youth President. This programme is being coordinated by Kathryn Campbell and the Learning Network.
