Scottish ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), is in the process of consulting with isle of Harris locals over a decision to run Sunday crossings to the mainland. Providing a daily service between the isle of Harris and the Scottish mainland could offer a boost to the local economy, while serving to improve accessibility for the island’s inhabitants. Not everyone has welcomed the idea of a Sunday service, however, with the Lord’s Day Observance Society (LDOS) leading calls to retain the current 6-day schedule.

Explaining his society’s opposition to the Sunday service, Reverend Iain Campbell, Chairman of the LDOS, stated: “Our branch is simply concerned to defend something that we believe is important, something that is an important part of our religious heritage. We don’t think it would benefit the island to have a further erosion of some of our traditional values.”

The Reverend continued: “I know of many people who have said that one of the reasons they moved to the island, or enjoyed coming to the island, was precisely because they are able to get away from the hustle and bustle of 24/7 travel.” In response, CalMac noted that religious opposition provides no legal bar to a Sunday service. However, no decision would be made until the consultation process has ended.

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