In 1128, on the sacred Feast of the Holy Cross, King David I of Scotland ignored the priests’ pleas for prayer. Driven by the thrill of the hunt, he plunged into the wild forests of Holyrood – bow in hand, heart ablaze with royal ambition. But deep in the shadowed woods, separated from his guards, the true chase began. A magnificent white stag – symbol of untamed power and divine mystery – burst from the thicket, charging straight at him.


Thrown from his horse, David faced the beast’s fury – antlers like spears, eyes fierce with primal force. In that heartbeat of terror, bravery took hold. He didn’t flee; he extended his hand in desperate faith. And then… a miracle: between the stag’s horns, a radiant cross of light appeared – the Holy Rood, Christ’s emblem of redemption. The stag froze, bowed its mighty head as if in worship, and vanished into the mist, leaving David forever transformed. From hunter to humble servant, his soul ignited with unshakeable courage. He vowed to build Holyrood Abbey right there – a sanctuary of faith rising from the wild, anchoring his life to God’s eternal roots.
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Men of Scotland, this ancient tale stirs the blood in our veins – a story of raw courage, unyielding bravery, and profound spiritual transformation right here on our sacred soil. Whether you’ve walked the church paths or wandered the untrodden wilds, reclaim your deepest roots: explore the timeless wisdom of faith, dig into the soil of purpose, and awaken the primal warrior within. 
 

DATE
10:00am on Saturday 25th October
 
LOCATION
London Road Church, 1a Easter Rd, Edinburgh EH7 5PH

PRICE
Men: £20   
Junior Youth (under 18): £15