Sundays on the Isle of Lewis
Above, in the banner, is a typically very well
attended church near Baile Ailein
The comments below are from a regular visitor to the island, and he tries to
describe Lewis from a visitor's perspective.
'Sundays are a very special day on both The Isle of Lewis and Harris, in that,
virtually all commercial activity ceases and a large proportion of the
population attends church. This makes the character of the islands very
'different' from the hustle and bustle of most mainland areas on a Sunday, when
a trip to the hypermarket or garden centre is becoming the norm. The quiet
and calm of Lewis and Harris on a Sunday is something worth observing, or even
taking part in.
Churches Lewis and Harris are well known for
their religious observance. There is a quality
to the peace and quiet on a Sunday and the Visitor shouldn't feel inhibited from going round the Island
and experiencing that for themselves.
The Free Church of Scotland
is the predominant
church with the Church of Scotland and the Free
Presbyterian Church being the other main churches. On
Sundays there will usually be a Gaelic service in the
morning and an English service in the evening.
Gaelic psalm singing is unique and is something
to be experienced. It is unaccompanied with a Precentor
"giving out the line". Currently there is a great deal
of interest from the American Deep South, especially
Alabama, as they see a connection between their mode of
church praise and Gaelic Psalm singing. Visitors
to the Island are most welcome to attend any of
the services and although one might be aware of a
certain dress code, casual clothes will not be a bar to
anyone attending a service. Most morning services are at
11.00am or 12 noon with the evening service at 6.00 or
7.00pm. One should check the individual church noticeboard for times of Services. ( by Neil
Macarthur)
The visitor can find the restrictions on Sunday hard to
adjust to,
particularly if not a church goer. There's no reason for Sundays to have
an adverse effect on your holiday if you plan ahead by following some of the
points below:
 | At
the time of writing, the only place to buy fuel on a
Sunday is at Englebret's Garage in Stornoway.
(Close to the Council buildings and on the road
leading to the airport). |
|
A limited
ferry service
now operates on a
Sunday between North Uist and Harris (Air
services also operate) |
| Some Bed and Breakfasts do not take
visitors on a Sunday and so care must be taken to ask the right questions when
booking |
| Most toilets in public parks are
closed, or, in some cases the parks
themselves. (toilet in centre of Stornoway open) |
| Sports activities, museums and swimming pools
are closed |
Don't jump off the island
on the Saturday ferry, just look for the alternatives that are available . Beaches, some wildlife
excursions, walks, and of course the wildlife itself doesn't stop for Sunday.
Some of the larger pubs and hotels in Stornoway are now open, as is the
Doune Braes Hotel in the West near to the
Callanish Stones. The stones are open, although the visitor centre is
closed. A little planning is required, so look at things objectively.
Perhaps visit Callanish Stones on Sunday morning, Doune Braes for lunch and a
beach in the afternoon.
Use this Sunday feature of the Lewis lifestyle to enhance your ability to see life
differently, and to enjoy old recreations.
The future of Lewis and its position on Sundays is unclear.
A few years ago, a case with the Western Isles Licensing Board resulted in
several Hotels on the island now having more flexible licenses. Tourism is a
strong 'economic driver' and Sundays may well change over the next few years.
Some argue that this would help the economy of the island. On the other hand, I would hate to see people forced into
work against their religious beliefs and this quiet aspect of Lewis culture
disappear.
A Parker, Isle of Mull. Visitor.
|
