BBC ALBA EXPLORES ISLANDERS BELIEFS ON THE SABBATH

Trusadh – Shifting Sabbath / La Air Leth?
Monday 13 September at 9pm on BBC ALBA

The Fourth Commandment, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy”, has influenced many of the traditions of the Isles of Lewis, Harris and North Uist for generations. Today, these are some of the last communities in the UK to adhere to Sunday observance - but for how much longer?

An insightful new BBC ALBA documentary ‘Shifting Sabbath’, produced by mactv, reveals how modern attitudes and shifting religious belief are changing the shape of the Sabbath day in these Highland areas.

The documentary introduces us to the dilemma posed in some Hebridean communities, where many have been brought up in the Sabbath-observing Presbyterian churches, on the role Sundays should play in 21st century island living.

One concern highlighted with the prospect of a changing Sabbath landscape is that some of the unique culture and rich traditions of the Isles would die away.

As well as increased transport links with Sunday flights which began in 2002 and ferry sailings in 2009, a growing number of businesses now open on Sundays throughout the isles. However, one businessman who remains steadfast in his beliefs, refusing to open on the Sabbath, is Shonnie MacRitchie, owner of the County Hotel in Stornoway. He says: “It’s sad to watch the Sabbath changing. It’s almost like any other day now in Stornoway.” Mr MacRitchie believes it’s good for staff morale and wellbeing to have Sundays free. “If the staff were to do shift work for seven days it would affect their work,” he adds.

Weekend access to sporting facilities is an issue for campaigners for the seven day opening of Lewis Sports Centre who say they wish to be able to pursue healthy activities and enjoy weekend family time at this facility, the same as their counterparts in the Southern Isles. This is also a contentious issue for Stornoway Golf Club, where Sunday playing is not permitted despite club membership voting 80-3 in favour.

Campaigner and mum-of-three Elma Macleod says Sunday is the easiest day for families to spend together and denies that it would start a clamour for even more facilities to open on the Sabbath. Elma says: “If the sports centre was to open on a Sunday it doesn’t mean the next huge place will open on Sunday. There is no other huge place. This is the only facility that we have for sport and leisure.”

Free Church minister Rev Dr Iain D Campbell, of Day One, (formerly the Lord’s Day Observance Society), says that Sunday sports centre opening would have a negative effect on the community as a whole. “I know people say there is nothing wrong with it but maybe we are not examining it properly. What about the people that need to work to give others that option? What about the pressure there would be on families to enter their children into sports competitions that take place on a Sunday and so on?”

The debate looks set to continue for some time. Will islanders keep the practice that many think contributes to the uniqueness of the area or have the seeds of change been sown?

‘Shifting Sabbath’ broadcasts on BBC ALBA on Monday 13 September at 9pm.