Council opposes Sunday sailings

Many locals do not want sailings on the traditional Sabbath day

Western Isles council leaders have stressed their opposition to plans by Caledonian MacBrayne for Sunday ferry services to Lewis.

It follows a meeting in Stornoway between local authority and CalMac representatives.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles Council) made it clear its policy was to reflect the customs and traditions of Lewis and Harris.

CalMac believes not running a seven-day service may breach equality laws.

Advice from the Equality and Human Rights Commission suggested not having a Sunday ferry may breach the Equality Act 2006.

Campaigners have called on CalMac to back down from "destroying" the traditional Sabbath.

CalMac is undertaking consultation with community groups on the controversial introduction of Sunday sailings from Lewis.

Company officials have previously said the consultation was over "when" and not "if" the sailings go-ahead.