Sunday Sailing is to be launched..!!!
Sunday 19th July will be launch of new Calmac ferry service from Stornoway,Lewis to Ullapool. Lots of heated and at times,vitriolic debate has preceeded this decision which has surprised many. Not so much the decision/outcome but in fact, the speed and bravado that has been used. Some folk here are very crest-fallen and others just plain furious that a sabbath-breaking Sunday sailing but there are others,lots,like me who are delighted to see the fundamental issue of CHOICE be the ultimate decision. I absolutely support (even vaguely admire) any Sabbath held view (although too much thought should not be spent on vagueries of which day is Sabbath/Holy/Lord’s etc) and can see lots of appeal in maintaining status quo of museum mentality for the Island but 21st Century appears to be well on its ways to Lewis. We nearly have usable broadband, we have Sky to replace terrestrial (unviewable )tv , we have Tesco and Co-op doing very well, we have very healthy tourist influx (really difficult getting car slot on Monday ferries and others!!!) and we will always have these blasted midges!!!!!
Hebrides in Sail is on in background this week and concludes on Saturday…..hope to post some pics after the weekend.
Am I allowed to give an honest opinion on this blog or will I be told to belt up,as not being an resident on lewis,my views don’t count??
taddoe
July 16, 2009 at 12:09
Taddoe..we are blog-friends, therefore you may say what you wish on the SUBJECT (not me personally or how I should express my view,unless you want/need a blog-row) and of course may differ in any opinion from me…..just remember though, it IS the folk of the Island who are affected 1st hand so hypothesising from afar is just that!!!kind regards…RJG
gravirlife
July 16, 2009 at 12:17
here goes–sorry if i offend anyone ,it is not my intention:
I am happy that there will be sunday sailings,kids who are at school on the mainland can go back on a sunday night,so would be home more weekends,natives from the island could may return home more often for a weekend visit to their families.Other services work on sundays without the church elders throwing a fit–nurses for example; Also the sunday sailings will bring in more tourists;
taddoe
July 16, 2009 at 13:15
http://www.hebridesnews.co.uk/cal-mac_have_sensibly_listened.html
See the above ‘letter of the week’- in my opinion, on Hebrides News.
Right, must get back to painting the old yacht.
Blankety Blank
July 16, 2009 at 15:37
Any news on how the first arrival went?
taddoe
July 19, 2009 at 12:14
Hiya..best I can do/say is to leave link to latest news as I am 50kms 28miles from Stornoway. I have decided NOT to drive over,take pics or be involved because I have been accused (by the likes of Soaplady and others) of enjoying/gloating or relishing the common sense outcome of the Sunday Sailing. I think Sunday will come and go, after the news has been broadcast on Sunday evening I doubt much else will be said.
Chaos this weekend with rubbish weather and ships apparently needing repairs etc….some very unhappy travellers, but heh, it’s Lewis not Cap Sur Mer
http://www.hebridesnews.co.uk/dark_time_for_sunday_sailing.html
gravirlife
July 19, 2009 at 12:25
Thanks–will mail u later
taddoe
July 19, 2009 at 12:32
read the article—not bad(was laughing at the arrival time)
taddoe
July 19, 2009 at 14:34
I agree entirely with your sentiments, Gravir Life, choice is what it boils down to, not how you like to spend a Sunday.
I heard on the radio that the first civil ceremony was performed a few days later… another unpopular descision I imagine!!- but again, choice is what it comes down to, and providing a service.
Can’t imagine there were many confetti throwing locals hanging around outside the registry office though!!!
lady land
July 23, 2009 at 09:01
hi all…..yep after Sunday Sailings and Gay Marriages, I don’t think things will ever be the same!!!
Truth is, Life goes on……my next nightmare scenario is the revised plans for Wind Turbines all over our lovely landscape…watch this space!!
RJG
July 23, 2009 at 13:43
I do like it when you’re non-controversial Mr Gravirliff:grin
kingdomcat
August 1, 2009 at 18:00
Oh sod it! Now taddoe will be
ing all over her face!
kingdomcat
August 1, 2009 at 18:01
taddoe
August 1, 2009 at 18:35
For what it’s worth….I live here, I have views (some controversial by some standards and some not so) which I feel able to express. If I offend anyone, I am always willimg to consider whether an apology is warranted but have to balance the viewpoints and any absolute right to free speech.
I very rarely wish to discuss/engage in trivia (cats/dogs,tea cosy patterns,etc etc…) but I do accept/understand the need for others to interact via cyberspace/blogs etc.
Peace and Love…..RJG
RJG
August 2, 2009 at 11:58