On Wednesday 19 March 2025, Solemnity of St. Joseph, St. Joseph's Guest House for Ladies was at last officially opened.

There had been some metaphorical nail-biting up to the last minute, as we wondered whether or not the St. Joseph Statue would be finished and duly positioned in time; also whether or not the Council Building Standards Authorities would finally sign off the building as ready for use.

But happily all worked out perfectly, and even at late notice a good crowd assembled for the Event.

Our Fr. Joseph had the honour of blessing the new Statue, amid the lovely sunshine of early Spring.

We had for the occasion no fewer than 3 Lords Lieutenant of Moray.

That is: the current Lord Lieutenant Seymour Munro, who will soon retire; his destined successor Al Monkman, and his predecessor Grenville Johnston. All these are good friends of the community. The Ribbon was cut by Grenville, who has chaired all of Pluscarden's Fund-Raising Committees since the 1970's.

Our pictures show Philip Chatfield, our sculptor, bringing his latest Statue to be positioned on its plinth - also designed and carved by him.

Also shown is a spread of eatables prepared for the entertainment of our guests. Among these was a cake, decorated with an image in icing sugar, of Philip's well-known red Land Rover. A picture of St. Joseph's kitchen is included, in order to show off the stained glass window of the Holy Family, with its surrounding frame beautifully made by our neighbour Matt Hamel.

Please note that St. Joseph is equipped with a Bible, a lily, a set square and a tool basket. Poking out from behind his left foot you can just see a cat - who on closer inspection looks remarkably like Baxter. Baxter's fame as Pluscarden's resident cat was wide-spread during his life time.