Western Isles holds first gay pride ‘to put end to intolerance’

A “historic” gay pride parade will be held in the Western Isles for the first time.

Hebridean Pride will party through the streets of Stornoway on 6 October.

Organisers urged people to “have a fabulous time and put an end to intolerance in the Hebrides”.

One supporter described the parade as a “historic event” for Lewis, where the Sabbath is still observed and the ultraconservative Free Church of Scotland has its stronghold.

Hebridean Pride is due to finish with a celebration at the Era Nightclub in Stornoway.

Owner Carl Easton said: “There is a gay community on the island, but it is the same as any small place. People don’t broadcast it. It is quiet and fairly subdued. I hope the Pride event will be well received.

“There will probably be a couple of people standing outside my nightclub with placards. I don’t agree with that and I don’t condone that, but I suppose it is their right to be able to do it.”

Meanwhile, supporters of the Proud Ness event in Inverness, also planned for 6 October, are rallying against comments made by a Free Church of Scotland mission worker who described the event as “shameful” and “deeply offensive”.

Donald J Morrison, who lives in the Highland capital and has set up a petition against the event, said: “A lot of people are unhappy with the event on moral and religious grounds, so we are protesting it on the strongest possible terms.”

Gemma Mcphee, 23, has set up one of two counter petitions in support of Proud Ness and said Mr Morrison’s comments were “disgusting”.

Ms Mcphee told a newspaper: “Most people in Inverness are supportive of the gay community, but gay nights in town never seems to stick. We’re a bit behind in that sense. When I saw this petition it was like a kick in the teeth. I felt so unwelcome.”

On Lewis last year, arts centre An Lanntair put on a programme for LGBT History Month with some opposing the move.

Islanders have recalled when transvestite comedian Eddie Izzard played Stornoway Town Hall.

According to accounts, only six tickets sold for the night, but after a minister was quoted in the Stornoway Gazette saying the comedian was an abomination, the event sold out.

Councillorangusmccormack, who represents Stornoway South, welcomed the Hebridean Pride event.

He said: “I am very happy that it is going to take place. I hope it will be widely supported.”

Stornoway Free Church could not be reached for comment last night.