Petition launched against Sunday opening

Hundreds of islanders in Lewis and Harris have signed a petition opposing the Sunday opening of the Stornoway arts centre.

An Lanntair – opposite Martin’s Memorial Church of Scotland and just down the road from the town’s Free Church – recently announced it intends to operate on all days of the week.

A spokesperson for An Lanntair said the results from a trial run showed high ticket sales and positive audience feedback, prompting the move to open all areas of the premises to serve meals, run activities as well as screen films.

The decision in favour of regular Sunday opening angers many traditionalists – not just church members – who point out the vast majority of local commercial premises only operate six days, reflecting the historic island values of respecting the Sabbath.

Now a wave of grass roots criticism from within the island community has been followed by the launch of a petition by the local branch of the Lord’s Day Observance Society, also known as Day One.

The petition – titled Community Statement – is accessible online, and hard copies are circulating around the island.

It states: “The proposed Sunday operations at An Lanntair is a significant issue for the community.

“It is clear that many people from different cultures, backgrounds and religious convictions

“It is clear that many people feel strongly about this issue”

feel strongly issue.”

The statement adds: “Until now, there hasn’t been a formal means by about this which the community – many of whom support An Lanntair and who want to see it succeed – can make collective representation, and the community statement is a vehicle for this.

“We certainly believe that many in our island will align with the statement and will want to sign it and thus express in a tangible way their support for maintaining a peaceful Sunday in our island community.”