The Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton used her sermon to highlight Scotland’s rich diversity, describing how different perspectives and cultures should learn from each other and be celebrated, writes Victoria Ward from St Giles’ Cathedral. 

She also delivered an environmental message that the King has often voiced himself – that the Earth is not a “human commodity” or possession but must be cherished and protected for future generations.

She said: “Your Majesties’, look around you. Sisters and brothers, look around you – at this beautiful tapestry of humanity; Scotland. 

“What we learn when we listen to one another, listen to understand, not just respond; is extraordinary.

“We gather to commit to and celebrate the common good of the place and people of Scotland. How depleted life would be without the creative imagination that explodes through our diverse customs and cultures, faiths and beliefs- the literature, the poetry, the music, the sacred searching, scientific insight and innovation, the beauty of life unleashed … we are a saga, not a short story, a symphony, not a solo.”

She added: “How narrow our sight, and how monochrome our understanding when we do not embrace the richness of different perspectives, grounded in lived experience! We can’t see round ourselves by ourselves, but need other human beings it we are to be what we were created to be – not just humans being, but humans becoming.”