Ferry breakdown seen as message from God
Ferry Online Travel News 20/07/2009
The vessel’s first scheduled Sunday crossing between the Scottish mainland and Lewis was cancelled.
Caledonian MacBrayne’s ferry, the Isle of Lewis, was unable to make the journey due to a fault in its exhaust system. There was speculation that repairs could take as long as 48 hours. Another vessel had to be brought in for the next day’s sailing. The Isle of Lewis eventually made its way to the Stornoway harbor.
The Rev Angus Smith, a long-time campaigner against Sunday ferry sailings to the islands, said the breakdown was a sign of “God's providence.”
When the ferry operator decide to launch Sunday service to Lewis, the islands’ council was angered, as were traditionalists, who asserted that it would contribute to the further erosion of their way of life.
Smith became well-known in 1965, when he lay down on the Kyleakin pier as Sunday ferry service was introduced to Skye . He said of the breakdown at the weekend: “God is in all providence”.
He added: “The chief message is not that the ferry has broken down, but that God speaks to us through his works. All companies – including ferry companies – should remember to keep the Sabbath holy instead of pursuing monetary gain.”
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