There is great merit in being different. Indeed part of the attraction of our islands is the fact that we are different. I want to hang on to that difference as long as I can.
As a youngster, I railed against perceived restrictions. I now recognise our culture and way of living as unique and well worth protecting because it is so beneficial. There is something rejuvenating about Sunday. It is peaceful and quiet and only a very few people are required to work. People don't mow their lawns, mend their cars or do any work outside. I do not wish that to change.
There are those who wish change. They want us to have a Sunday ferry. They want the Sports Centre open on Sunday. They wish to play golf on Sunday. I do not know where their desire to do things on Sunday ends.
They say that they should have the right to choose. They say that the pubs are open and that a retail facility is open. They say that there is an increase in traffic due to Sunday use of the airport and from people driving to church.
There has been a considerable relaxation in people's attitudes to Sunday Observance over my lifetime. It has happened slowly and it will probably continue but I am not going to encourage it.
It is interesting to note that there has been no rush by retail outlets to open on Sunday in Stomoway despite the fact that they are perfectly at liberty to do so. I do not detect any enthusiasm from shop workers, office workers nor indeed any one in the business sector to work on Sunday. No doubt that view is held by employees at the Sports Centre also.
Do those who wish overnight change realise that they might just be dictating to others? There is a great health bonus in knowing that on one day of the week you can not be called upon to work.
I do not favour a Sunday sailing of the ferry. If Caledonian MacBrayne has money to spare then I want a better and faster ferry, three times a day for six days a week. I want cheaper fares, but above all else I want freight fares to be slashed so that our local economy can benefit; under the so-called RET pilot that does not appear to be likely.
And what of freedom of choice or as one person suggested to me 'human rights'?
Anyone who considers that having the Sports Centre open on a Sunday is a 'human right' hasn't really understood what human rights are - the right to food, water, peace and shelter come to mind.
I guess a debate on freedom of choice could last a long time. Who is to have the choice and over which issues? Where do one person's rights end and another's begin? Good question.
I believe we have to start from offering such a freedom within the context of our local society. The Romans called it the 'mores' - the characteristics of a community, or the customs or conventions that are essential to a community. There is an intangible element to it but we all know what it is. So freedom of choice in Glasgow or Los Angeles or even Balivanich is not quite the same as in Lewis and Harris. In my experience most people subscribe to that view.
I believe my duty as a councillor is to represent the 'mores' as I understand them. I do talk to a great many people and, despite e-petitions of a few hundred, I am not at all convinced that the pro-Sunday opening/pro-Sunday ferry lobby represents the 'mores' as matters stand at present.
It may be that in time Sunday will change from how it presently is and become the same as everywhere else. I do not wish to hurry that process. I do not believe that it should be the role of the Comhairle to hasten the demise of the Lewis and Harris Sunday and our peaceful way of life.

CLLR. ANGUS MCCORMACK
25 North Street, Sandwick