This coming Sunday, 19 July 2009, will see a momentous occasion in recent history of the Isle of Lewis.
Caledonian MacBrayne have announced that with immediate effect, every Sunday, a ferry will depart Stornoway at 14.30, arriving in Ullapool at 17.15 and departing there at 18.15. The sailing will return to Stornoway at 21.00. In spite of a vociferous campaign on the part of opponents of the Sabbath sailings, Calmac have now gone ahead, apparently with the green light from the Scottish Government.
It would appear that a flood of emails arising from the Hebridean Celtic Festival have precipitated events. The decision has caused upset amongst the Lords Day Observance Society as well as to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Their outcry will have no effect - the decision looks made and set in stone.
Good luck to all concerned
ReplyDeleteA very diplomatic comment taddoe ...! I echo it ...
ReplyDeleteGlad you have your ferry, best of luck.
ReplyDeleteOh yes oh yes....sailed in tonight/morning very late Wednesday crossing and pamphlets/leaflets plentiful at Ullapool showing new Sunday timetable (must have been printed several days ago unless Calmac have own printing press).....just glad the whole matter has been tackled/dealt with such bravado and the endless debate has finally ended....
ReplyDeleteA victory for commonsense and freedom of choice. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteI was elated to learn of this development today. Common sense has prevailed. The comhairle's reaction to the development was, I guess, to be expected ... they never learn do they?
ReplyDeleteWhat a hoot that the veteran campaigner Revd Angus Smith thinks that Sunday sailings will lead to a crime wave; utter tosh.
I look forward to the day that I can return to Lewis and enjoy the benefit of Sunday sailings for myself.
Hurraaaaah!
ReplyDeleteI`m not going to mention the "welcome to the 21st cenury" thing.....coz us on Lewis have only just entered the 20th....next thing you know there`ll be flying machines in melbost
ReplyDeleteAirman,
ReplyDeleteSarcasm noted and understood. It's not as bad as outward appearances may suggest - the fact that yours truly is communicating over a broadband internet connection is proof enough that this island is very much in the 21st century. It's a pity in a way that it has taken a company like Calmac to force the issue of Sunday sailings. The vast majority of islanders don't and won't have any objection to the ferry quietly coming and going on Sunday afternoon and evening. The tiny minority I will not comment on.