Queen's example

Isles SNP MP Angus B MacNeil has encouraged people to follow the Queen's example and visit the Western Isles.

In a special debate in the House of Commons last week to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday Mr MacNeil highlighted the one of the monarch's great passions is the islands, particularly the Outer Hebrides.

He added: “Many others have followed her example and visited the islands and have had a right royal time in other ways, I am sure.

"I encourage many others to follow the Queen’s example and I welcome those who come back for a revisit. I certainly hope Her Majesty has the chance to return to the islands that she has visited so often.

“I clearly remember seeing the royal yacht Britannia with its three masts from behind Vatersay as a youngster from my grandmother’s house in Castlebay. Clearly, the Queen’s enjoyment of the Hebrides is more than formal—it is very personal.

“People in the Gaelic-speaking Hebrides were very pleased when the Queen, in Ireland, spoke in Irish Gaelic, which was a great gesture on so many levels. Therefore, as I did in the debate 10 years ago, I will end in Scottish Gaelic, the language of Eden, and say, ‘Co latha breith sona dhan Bhanrighinn Ealasaid.’”

Follow the Queen’s example and visit the isles, says MP

28 April 2016