Papal visit vestments unveiled

Centuries-old vestments were unveiled ahead of a viewing by the Pope next week.

The two garments were worn by Cardinal John Henry Newman, who will be beatified by Pope Benedict XVI during his visit to Britain next week.

The Cardinal gifted the ornate vestments to Abbotsford House in the Scottish Borders following stays at the property in 1852 and 1872.

They are being loaned by the Abbotsford Trust to the Archdiocese of Edinburgh for the Pope to see on his visit to the city.

The beatification of Cardinal Newman will take place in Birmingham on September 19.

On their return to Abbotsford House – the home of novelist Sir Walter Scott – the vestments will go on display to the public for the first time.

Jason Dyer, chief executive officer of the Abbotsford Trust, said the Cardinal was friends with James Robert Hope Scott, who inherited the property following his marriage to the author’s granddaughter Charlotte.

Mr Dyer said: “We are delighted to be able to lend his vestments to the Archdiocese of Edinburgh next week for the Pope’s visit.

“We believe that visitors, both UK and international, will be extremely interested in seeing the holy relics on display in Edinburgh and here in the Scottish Borders following their return to their Abbotsford home next month.”

One of the vestments is believed to include 16th century tapestry panels mounted on to 18th century silk and the second is understood to date back to the 19th century.