This episode shines, as ever, a fascinating light on the connections between early religious life in Scotland, early Christian sites, and places of interest near to and in Inverkeithing. Listen to find out from Dr Gavin MacGregor about a possible Roman harbour near Inverkeithing, about some of the earliest evidence of Christianity on the nearby island of Inch Colm, and about other early Christian artefacts found in Fife itself. Dr Tom Turpie explains just how significant a role the church played in daily life, for everyone in Medieval Scotland, and how the cult of Saints played out in everyday life. Tom explains about local Saints in Scotland, who often had shrines and chapels, and Inverkeithing's very own, somewhat mysterious Saint, Erat, possibly also known as Heroth, and evolved to Heriot.

Medieval people hoped Saints could cast some of their particular magic on those who followed them with devotion, and expressed their devotion in various ways, including by making pilgrimages. Inverkeithing is still fantastically well located for transport in the East of Scotland, near to the capital the shortest crossing of the Forth, on rail lines and with a good road network. Its heritage was much the same: it would have been a well-known place for pilgrims, and in this episode, you'll find out what remains, and where, from those times.

Tom recommends for further study, resources on the Fife Pilgrim Way website: https://fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk/plan-your-trip/resources/fife-pilgrim-way/

The Atlas of Scottish History to 1707, available online at ScotlandsPlaces.gov.uk, recommended for maps, locations, references.