Row over “crazy” baton detour to St Kilda 8/7/14
A row has broken out over a “crazy decision” to divert the Queen's Commonwealth Games baton tour to St Kilda.
Uist councillor Donnie Steele said he was “dismayed” at the “ill thought out publicity stunt” prevent the baton being seen in a number of districts.
Mr Steele stated: “This is detrimental to the communities of North Uist, Berneray and South Harris, who miss out on their opportunity to be part of the Commonwealth Games celebrations.
Other places such as Barra, Eriskay and South Uist hugely enjoyed the baton tour, he pointed out.
But the “decision to miss other populated islands in the Western Isles goes against
the ethos of the games and the well-
Mr Steele added: “I hope the puffins, fulmars and Soay sheep enjoy their visit and are as enthusiastic in their support as the children of our islands who yet again, not considered worthy by a faceless decision maker who doesn't know what it means to live on an island and the joy such visits give.”
The baton – accompanied by bearer Colin Macleod of Lewis – flew on a round-
In a retort to Cllr Steele, Western Isles Council emphasised: “We need to show a bit of vision. Its about promoting the Western Isles to the world.”
Broadcast coverage beamed globally of the visit to the “double world heritage site of St Kilda is a fantastic opportunity to show” the Hebrides to an international market, said a council spokesman.
He pointed out that other island districts also missed out on the route due to logistics and time difficulties but residents did not have far to travel to participate in any of the six baton relays and associated celebration events taking place across the Western Isles.
The baton relay programme -