All favourite
Gaelic songs
Hebrides Shop
Scarista House
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A new beginning 17/7/09
Sirs,
Firstly can I commend you on a fantastic web site and letters page. It has allowed me to keep up to date with the Island news since I left to work on the mainland some 2 months ago.
I have been astounded by the amount of letters and articles on the subject of the
Sunday Ferry -
As of Tues 14th July the decision was been made, Sunday sailings will commence from Sunday 19th July 2009, in one way I am sad to see the Sabbath broken with this decision, It is a unique way of life in Lewis and enjoyed by many and will be continued to be I'm sure regardless of the Sunday sailing. Church congregations of all denominations in Lewis are too strong and committed to drift away leaving the churches empty on a Sunday, aren't they?
I was surprised at the Western Isles Council not wanting the Sunday sailings, I thought their job was to promote the island and the quality of life of its people, after all it what's in their mission statement, as below;
"Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is a democratically elected local authority whose purpose is to sustain and improve the quality of life for all people in the Western Isles, respecting the cultural and religious traditions."
On the cultural and Religious traditions part, please remember there is more than one! The Island along with the rest of the world has many cultures and religious beliefs. If all the decisions made by the council are not based on these terms then they are failing in their duties to serve the islands correctly.
On a different note I wonder who in the Council thought it was a good idea to open
pubs on a Sunday! What benefit does that have on the community......None! It just
promotes the anti-
Personally I am delighted with the Sunday sailing decision. It means that I can travel to Lewis late on a Friday and come back on a Sunday without losing a day off work. Given the return sailing times I can also attend my local church in Stornoway before I depart giving me the best of both worlds.
I don't see this as the end of the traditional values, I see it as a new beginning for the Island, the Island the people and the churches cant but benefit from this decision.
I look forward to many weekend visits.
I Mackenzie
Kendal Crescent
Alness
Letters should include name and full address for publication. Please include a phone number for verification.