Scotsman Walking Wearing Kilt On Peden's Cove Staircase On History Visit To Ayrshire Scotland

Tour Scotland short 4K Autumn travel video of a Scotsman wearing a kilt and Sporran and walking by trees and on Peden's Cove Staircase on ancestry, genealogy, family history visit and trip to East Ayrshire, Britain, United Kingdom. A historic site featuring a 300 year old staircase carved directly into a steep red sandstone canyon overlooking the River Ayr. The origin of the cove dates back to the late 17th century, a tumultuous period in Scottish history known as The Killing Time. Following the Restoration of King Charles II to the throne in 1662, the monarch attempted to reintroduce bishops and assert royal supremacy over the Church of Scotland. In response, thousands of Scots, known as Covenanters, signed national covenants pledging loyalty to their Presbyterian faith instead of the King's mandates. Over 300 ministers were forced out of their churches for refusing to comply. Outlawed by the government, these ministers and their followers held illegal open-air religious services called conventicles hidden deep in the countryside. The cove is named after Alexander Peden, born 1626 died 1686, one of the most famous and charismatic Covenanter field preachers. Peden was a highly wanted man who constantly evaded government forces. He was so notorious that he famously wore a cloth mask with fabric teeth and feathers to disguise his identity while travelling. Covenanters carved the stone steps into the cliffside face to act as a dramatic natural pulpit for Peden. Peden would stand on the sandstone steps to preach while his congregation gathered covertly on the opposite bank of the River Ayr. Worship at the cove was incredibly dangerous. Lookouts were posted constantly because both the minister and his followers knew they would face instant execution or imprisonment if caught by the King's soldiers. Of interest to folks with ancestry, genealogy or Scottish Family Roots in Scotland who may wish to visit one day. Find things to see and do in Scotland where you are always welcome. Meteorological Autumn or Fall is different from standard and astronomical Autumn and begins September 1 and ends November 30 All photographs are copyright of Sandy Stevenson, Tour Scotland, and may not be used without permission.

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