Sundays in Lews Castle grounds

Move to stop car-free Sundays in Lews Castle grounds

4 August 2016

Western Isles Council is pressurising the Stornoway Trust to allow motorists into the Lews Castle grounds on Sundays.

The roadway is open to cars most of the week but closed on Sundays to allow islanders to enjoy woodland gardens in safety.

The council now wants Sunday access which would allow people to drive to the café in the restored Lews Castle which is open seven days.

Some £19 million of public funds was used to renovate the building into self-catering apartments and function suite with a new-build museum.

The Stornoway Trust is concerned about dangerous boy-racers in an area hugely popular for with people strolling, parents pushing prams, and children with bikes.

The move threatens to spoil the safe use of the public park - categorised as “outstanding” national significance - for families and children on the only day vehicles have traditionally been excluded.

A child was reportedly nearly knocked down by one of a number of reckless drivers when the gates were recently opened without permission.

If cars are allowed in the trust would seek assurances over traffic management measures to ensure the safety of other users.

Officially, Western Isles Council is opposed to Sunday ferries and to a seven-day plane service.

Refusing to open the Lewis Sports Centre and other council facilities on Sundays is a running contention amongst critics.

Sunday observance campaigner, John Macleod, hit out at the move to open the park to vehicles on Sundays.

Mr Macleod said: “'Frankly, I don't have a big issue with the Stornoway hotels being open on the Lord's Day, or even the odd takeaway outlet – travellers reasonably expect to be fed, and takeaway food, for many of our poorest families, may be the children's only chance that day of a hot meal."

"'But I am bothered that, on the one day of the week Stornoway families have a chance of quiet recreation in the castle grounds without having to worry about speeding boy-racers or the chance of being brained by a golf-ball - these two weekends past have seen the castle grounds open to all sorts of vehicle traffic on the Sabbath - and no one is taking responsibility."

Mr Macleod added: “The comhairle , and the Stornoway Trust, both posture vocally on the Lord's Day on Lewis, and rightly so - but on this front they seem to have been missing in action.

“These are premises the comhairle's owns - accessed by a road on Stornoway Trust land.

“I'm in the grounds every day with my wee dogs and I've been twice at the new café. It's a great facility. I really enjoyed my first ever cafe frappuccino two Saturdays back and the young staff are brilliant.

“What a shame they are being made to work on the Sabbath - and in the day we're in, perhaps not even on overtime wages.

“That's what everyone forgets about the Lord's Day. It's the original labour-protection legislation. Which is why the rich and powerful hate it."

Mr Macleod said: “You'd think the councillors and the trustees would be on top of things and enforce professed Lewis policy. I mean, they're keen enough on our votes.”

Iain Maciver, factor of the Stornoway Trust, said the trust was “only told recently” the café would be a seven-day operation.

Reckless drivers who “excelled in upsetting other people” took advantage of the gates being opened “the last two Sundays without consent of the trust,” highlighted Mr Maciver.

He pointed out the trust was “between a rock and a hard place” with conflicting desires within the community - some people want vehicle access while others do not any cars within the grounds at all.

A council spokesman said: “The museum and its café and shop are proving to be a major attraction for both island residents and visitors alike.

“The gate is a matter that is subject to discussion between the council and the Stornoway Trust with a view to reaching an acceptable arrangement.”

In a separate controversy, Western Isles Council granted hospitality firm, Natural Retreats, a lengthy lease of part of the castle. The museum - directly run by the council - closes on Sundays while the café has opened five months in advance of the hospitality accommodation.

Court actions, unconnected with the Sunday opening, have been launched against the council for giving hotel firm contract to operate within the £19 million redevelopment. The authority is contesting complaints it broke tender rules or acted unlawfully.

The gate is closed to allow a car-free Sunday in the castle grounds