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The Muslim community on Lewis wish to convert a derelict building in the town centre.

The mosque would have a small prayer room with a meeting room across the hall.

The present building beside the former ND Macleod electrical showroom is in a rundown condition and has been empty for many years.

Originally a house, the premises was later used as a store for an electrical contractor.

Planning permission was granted in 2013 to construct an Asian community centre on the site so people could celebrate family and cultural events as well as annual religious festivals.

The latest application would be used for a similar purpose.

 

No domes or minaret towers are planned. After renovations the building will look much the same externally except the chimneys and dormer windows would be removed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A spokesman for the local Muslim community said the proposal is only for a “very small building” and would not be a large mosque at all.

 

He said: “It would be mainly used for afternoon prayers for about just an hour on Fridays which is the main day for the Muslim community.

 

Even then only a maximum of 20 or so people are expected to attend while more “often it will be much less than that.”

 

He offered an invitation for “anyone to come and watch us pray. The door will be open” so islanders or visitors can come and observe, if they wished.

 

The premises would also host special events like birthdays and funerals - when non-Muslim friends and neighbours would be part of the gathering.

 

It would also be used during the month of Ramadan.

 

Having a place of worship would also help the six Syrian refugee families now living on Lewis settle better and avoid them feeling  isolated so far from home, he said.

 

He hopes the Syrians will find the Hebrides as he does: “This is a safe community. Stornoway is a very, very peaceful place with nice, helpful and friendly people.”

Plan for mosque in Stornoway

25 June 2017

A drawing of the finished building  

The proposal is to convert a derelict building into a mosque

Plans to build a small mosque in Stornoway have been lodged with Western Isles Council.