Although away from the island, I do keep an eye on what goes on there. Two things jumped out at me in recent weeks.
First, a visitor centre related to the Iolaire Disaster is to be built in Stornoway. I have frequently highlighted this tragedy over the years I've been in the island. Next New Year, 2019, it will be exactly a century ago the sinking of the HMY Iolaire off Holm Point. The 205 souls lost are currently commemorated in graveyards across Lewis, as well as in the memorial on Holm Point. It is good that more prominence is being give to this key event in the island's history. I completely understand why people were previously reluctant to discuss this; grief is a private matter. However, with the passage of time, it is perhaps appropriate to share it with the world, thereby lessening its poignancy. I hope so.
Secondly, the arts centre An Lanntair opened last Sunday, 28th January, to screen a film. This gave rise to vocal protests by Sabbaterians, who feel that this is a violation of the Sabbath. I can never help but note that pubs are also open on a Sunday in Stornoway.
It's great that a permanent visitor centre is to be built, but it concerns me that it won't happen until after the centenary. I commented on Facebook last night that I hope plans are in place for some sort of temporary visitor facility to be available in December this year as a focal point for the centenary. It seems such an obvious thing to do. But despite the administrator responding to other peoples' comments about the advent of a permanent visitor centre, no information was forthcoming about mine. That's slightly worrying.
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