FREEDOM OF THE WESTERN ISLES FOR FIRST CONVENOR AND VICE-CONVENOR

A ceremony to bestow the Freedom of the Western Isles on the first Convener and Vice-Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Reverend Donald MacAulay and Father Calum Maclennan, will be held tomorrow (Wednesday) in Stornoway Town Hall.

Guests from throughout the Western Isles and from further afield will attend the event, which is also open to the public.

The Convener of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Mr. Alex Macdonald, is hosting the civic celebration. He said “It is fitting that we should mark the 30th anniversary of the inception of the Comhairle by bestowing the Freedom of the Western Isles on the first ever Convener and Vice-Convener. It was a historic time for local democracy as it was the first time the whole of the Western Isles had been united as one administrative area. There were many challenges facing those in the newly formed Council but their vision and their aspirations have in many ways become part of everyday life. It is easy to forget that in 1974 pupils from the islands were dispersed in various locations across the Highlands or in hostels away from their homes. Nowadays all pupils in the Western Isles can travel home after school because we have four six year secondaries in strategic locations across the Isles.
Sometimes we forget the achievements of the past 30 years and this occasion is not only testament to the Rev Macaulay and Father Calum but also to the work of the Comhairle on behalf of the people of the Western Isles. “

The Freedom of the Western Isles Ceremony takes place at 3pm in Stornoway Town Hall on Wednesday 12th May. Members of the public are welcome to attend. Doors open at 2.30pm and all guests should be seated by 2.45pm.

Nigel Scott
Communications Officer
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Tel: 01851 709389 (Work)
Tel: 07884 236103 (Mobile)
email: nscott@cne-siar.gov.uk