HUNDREDS of visitors from all over gathered in Dunfermline for the annual St Margaret's Pilgrimage on Sunday.

Archbishop Leo Cushley led the procession through the town centre, carrying the holy relics of the saint, before pilgrims gathered for Holy Mass at St Margaret's RC Memorial Church.

Jean MacDonald, visiting from Kilsyth, said: "It's nice to see all the school children here - they are the future of the church."

Her friend Patricia Campbell, who was attending for the fourth time, added: "I came to Dunfermline to enjoy the atmosphere. We've already visited St Margaret's Cave, it's very emotional."

Sam Begbie from Clydebank, said: "We're taking part in this procession to represent our parish. It's nice for the younger ones to see this kind of activity within the faith."

In his homily, Archbishop Cushley praised the example of St Margaret's Christian work.

"She had the fire of someone newly converted to the faith and she put that faith into practice," he said. "In a time rougher than ours she achieved her goals with skill, energy and determination.

"But she did so, always informed by a strong faith in Christ and his power to save her, her family, and her adopted nation."

Pilgrims enjoyed guided tours of sites associated with the saint as well as an ecumenical service at Dunfermline Abbey for people of all faiths and none.