An Early Day Motion (EDM) on the centenary of the Iolaire tragedy has been laid before parliament by MP Angus B MacNeil.
More than 50 MPs from across six political parties and one independent have signed the EDM making it one of the most supported motions in this parliamentary session.
Mr MacNeil called on the House to remember those who had been lost when HMY Iolaire sank on 1 January 1919 and to commend all those in the Western Isles who have been involved in events and projects to commemorate the tragedy.
He said: “As we approach the 100 years since the loss of the Iolaire, it is so important that we remember the men who lost their lives just yards from home shores and the impact this had on our islands, especially after the already terrible losses of the war.
“The events and projects organised to mark the centenary have documented this tragedy in our history in the most moving and fitting way and have ensured that this dark day in our history is relayed to a new generation.”
The motion praises Malcolm MacDonald and the late Donald John Macleod, the authors of the book researching the Iolaire as well as the commissioning of music, exhibitions involving local historical societies.
It highlights the youth-
Particular note is made of the involvement of young people in the Dileab project which culminates in an event in the Nicolson Institute involving more than 200 performers from throughout the islands,
Mr MacNeil has worn the Poppy Scotland Iolaire pin in the House of Commons.
HMY Iolaire remembered in House of Commons
13 November 2018