Sunday ferry sails into controversy

A Sunday ferry service in Scotland has gone ahead despite objections from hardline Christians who say it violates the Sabbath as a day of rest.

Protesters gathered in Stornoway where church leaders have resisted Sunday sailing for two decades. Reverend Timothy McGlyaa, Minister of Free Church Continuing said: “I have a feeling of disappointment, a deep sadness that what has been a heritage of these people, and a blessed heritage for many years, has been taken from them.” But the ferry company said demand for a daily service to mainland Scotland was high. Stornoway is on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides where pubs and restaurants are now open on Sundays, but the golf course is closed. Passengers on the new Sunday ferry service had mixed feelings. One said: “ It’s made a huge difference to my life. My children have come over to visit. They were unable to do so before and it is just fantastic.” Another said: “ It’s too late coming for me. I was working on the mainland for a number of years and I was unable to get home to see my family at the weekend without taking days off.” Supporters of the new ferry service say the Outer Hebrides are being dragged into the twenty first century. Detractors say Sunday observance traditions are being lost for ever.More about: Protest, Religion, United Kingdom

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