Why Sunday is still sacred on Lewis and Harris

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Lewis Island, located in Scotland’s Hebridean islands, has a strong tradition of observing the Sabbath that is unique from that of Scotland and the UK. Swimming pools, sports centers, and most businesses are closed on Sundays, and there is no public transport on the island. Church attendance is also high, with the Church of Scotland and Free Church being predominant faiths.

According to the Ten Commandments in the Bible, the Sabbath is a spiritual day of rest and worship that requires individuals to abstain from work and play. As such, in the past, residents of Lewis did not hang up washing or chain up children’s swings as a sign of respect for the day. Despite occasionally being viewed as a dour, killjoy, or strange practice, expert Dr. James Englinton notes that it is a common custom across continental Europe.

Lewis and Harris’s Sunday traditions have persevered due to the frequent occurrence of evangelical revivals. In parts of Lewis and Harris, revivals have taken place every 10 to 15 years since at least the 1970s. The longevity of the Sabbath’s significance is less rooted in island culture and more in the gospel that continues to be a critical part of its people’s lives.

Over the last two decades, Lewis and Harris have experienced significant changes to their traditional Sunday routines. Some hotels and restaurants are now open, as are petrol stations and shops. Moreover, the island welcomes Sunday commercial flights as a means of easing residents’ travel options. However, some islanders, like Free Church minister Rev. Angus Smith, remain fiercely opposed to activities that, in their view, take away from the day’s significance.

A hot topic in recent years has been the seven-day opening of Tesco in Stornoway. While some support the move, others are vehemently opposed. Consequently, the debate surrounding Sunday observations on Lewis and Harris remains nuanced and complex

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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