The St Margaret's Way Challenge
Over the course of the 2024/25 school year, Head, Anna Tomlinson, and teacher of Chemistry, Judith Robson, will walk the St Margaret's Way in Fife, the only Scottish pilgrimage route named after a woman - Queen Margaret of Scotland.
The goal of this challenge is to raise much needed bursary funds for St Margaret's pupils to support their education. We are asking our community to show their support for those undertaking the walk and for our pupils by making a donation today.
Why are we undertaking this challenge?
This walking challenge is more than just a journey through the beautiful landscapes of Fife; it's a challenge with a purpose. Staff and friends will come together to walk this historic route, not only to honour the connection to our school but to raise essential funds for our school's Hardship Fund and means-tested Bursary Programme.
The Hardship Fund provides vital support to families facing unexpected challenges, ensuring that their children can continue to thrive in our community. Meanwhile, our means-tested Bursary Programme opens doors for pupils who might otherwise be unable to afford the opportunities our school offers.
Demand for support exceeds what the school is able to provide. In addition, over the last few years the number of applications to both the Bursary Programme and Hardship Fund has increased.
Join us on this journey - whether by walking with us, spreading the word, or contributing to our cause. Together, we can make a difference to the lives of our students and ensure that everyone has the chance to succeed.
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"At St Margaret's, we encourage our pupils to stretch themselves. Day after day I am so impressed by the way in which girls rise to new challenges both in their academic studies and extra-curricular interests. Being a head teacher certainly brings with it many challenges but not so many of the physical variety! Walking the St Margaret's Way is an opportunity for me to challenge myself physically throughout the year while going on a special journey with members of our school community."
Anna Tomlinson, Head
About Queen Margaret of Scotland
Margaret was brought up at the Hungarian court, where her father, Edward (son of Edmund Ironside), was in exile. After the Battle of Hastings, Edward's widow, Princess Agatha of Hungary, and their children fled for safety to Scotland.
She lived a pious and devout life and was known for her charity and compassion for the poor of Scotland. Through her influence over her husband and his court, she promoted, in conformity with the Gregorian reform, the interests of the church and of the English population conquered by the Scots in the previous century. She died shortly after her husband was slain near Alnwick, Northumberland. She was canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1250.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "St. Margaret of Scotland". Encyclopedia Britannica, 25 Mar. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Margaret-of-Scotland. Accessed 10 September 2024.
"In this challenge we will follow the way of Queen Margaret of Scotland to both honour her and her work with children and young people. We hope to raise vital funds that will help support every girl at our school with the educational opportunities she deserves."
Judith Robson, teacher of chemistry and former parent
The route
The St Margaret's Way is a pilgrimage route in Fife, Scotland, inspired by the life of St Margaret of Scotland. The route spans approximately 60 miles beginning in Edinburgh, across to Fife, and, following the coastal path, ending at the historic St Andrew's Cathedral in St Andrews.
The walk passes through a mix of coastal paths, countryside, and towns . The journey culminates in St Andrews, known for its medieval cathedral ruins making it a meaningful and scenic walk through Scotland's rich history.
The walk will include the section known as "St Margaret's Elbow". This section diverts from the main St Margaret's Way route. This extra loop is known as "St Margaret's Elbow" because of its sharp turn along the coast, creating an "elbow" shape on the map.
The Elbow provides an alternative route that adds variety to the walk offering a mix of coastal and inland scenery. It's a scenic detour for those who wish to explore more of the Fife countryside before completing the walk at St Andrews.
How you can get involved
1. Make a Donation
Your donation will directly support the education of pupils. Whether it's a one-time donation, or a pledge for each mile we walk, every gift helps us reach our goal. All gifts, of all sizes, are appreciated.
2. Join us for stages of the walk
Our school community are invited to join us for the next stage of the walk on Saturday 22 March, Burntisland to Leven.
Register your interest here or email development@st-margaret.uk
3. Join us for the final stage of the walk on Sunday 8 June 2025
We invite as many as are able from our school community to walk alongside us for the final stage of the walk from Crail to St Andrew's. This is a special opportunity to be part of our journey, experience the beauty of St Margaret's Way, and show your support in person. A bus will be organised from Aberdeen to Fife and back.
Final stage details to follow.
Together, we can walk the path toward making an all-girls' education more accessible to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
Thank you for your support!
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