Mission Reformation | Part 2
May 5, 2025 | Written by Second Deputy Friar Bill Broadhurst.
The port of Oban was the next day’s goal with Stirling Castle as an intermediate target.
Even though John Knox didn’t preach there, we stopped at Glengoyne Distillery en route. We split our forces into two groups and swarmed the facility. We managed to successfully extract the secrets of distilling from the proprietors and staff. The victorious troop then reassembled. We celebrated with a tasting of two robust Glengoyne products that we could not have afforded otherwise. Thus fortified, we resolutely set out for Stirling Castle.
Our initial assault on Stirling went better than the assault on Edinburgh Castle. This was primarily because the troop, at Mary’s direction, had commandeered a “coach” operated by the indomitable George the Scot and the wily Christina. They soon delivered us up the approach and discharged us right at the castle gate. Our forces poured in and went to secure various strategic points.
The Great Hall, site of the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots, fell easily. We then moved through the former apartments of her son, James VI of Scotland (aka James I of England). Although we scoured the King‘s rooms and bedroom (and the Queen’s), we could not find even one copy of James’ version of the Bible.
We expanded the search to include the kitchen, the chapel, and dungeon points, without success. That said, the castle offered no other resistance.
With our immediate goal accomplished, we retired to the nearby Church of the Holy Rude. It was here that John Knox preached at the baptism of James VI. Not to be outdone, Reverend Link and Reverend Brannan led us in devotions.
Spiritually filled (not like at Glengoyne), we marched out under the watchful gaze of memorials to Scot Highland heroes William Wallace and Robert the Bruce.
The trip to Oban went without incident, and the port capitulated when our coach came into view. Given the day’s successes, the evening was designated as “at leisure.” The troop gleefully obeyed orders.
Assault by sea lies in store on the morrow.
