Four American nuns living in Elgin will mark the second anniversary of their arrival in the town with a fundraising concert tomorrow.
The Dominican Sisters of St Cecilia relocated from Nashville, Tennessee, to Greyfriars Convent in the heart of Elgin in August 2013.
In that time they have acclimatised from life in the sun-baked American south to the more windswept environment of the north-east.
Sisters Anna Christie Solis, Imelda Ann DuPuis, Nicholas Marie Polkowska and Christiana Mickwee have become familiar with residents of all ages, and say they have even learned some Scottish dialect.
Superior Anna Christie said: “It was an adjustment to start with, but it’s been wonderful to become a part of the community in Elgin.
“People have been really welcoming to us, and it’s always a delight to learn some new Scottish words.”
The 34-year-old added: “We have a ministry from the youngest toddlers to the oldest in the community.
“We also visit various Catholic and non-Catholic schools in the area, so our main focus is youth.”
The sisters will celebrate their progress with a concert tomorrow at their Abbey Street home, beginning at 2.30pm.
The monks from Pluscarden Abbey will offer a performance of Gregorian chanting, and local musicians will keep attendees entertained with a range of traditional tunes.
The music event will raise funds so that local youngsters can attend a global religious gathering next year in Poland.
Sister Christie explained: “While the concert is to mark our being here and to celebrate the work we’ve been able to do, it also serves a real fundraising purpose.
“We want to bring local children to the World Youth Day event in Krakow, as we really believe it will be an amazing experience for them.
“It’s a way to introduce our St Sylvester’s Church youth group to different cultures and different Catholics.
“There are teachings from bishops from around the world, but the most significant aspect is being with Pope Francis and hearing his words.”
The Greyfriars Convent was built in 1480, but lay empty from 2010 to 2013 after the Sisters of Mercy order moved out when their numbers dwindled and aged.