Ivan Little explores the Western Isles of Scotland, travelling across the Outer Hebrides and meeting some of the inhabitants that hail from Ulster along the way.
Full of Celtic charm, these islands are described as a place where the men and women speak and sing in "the ancient Gaelic tongue. Their songs are about the sea, the wind, the rain, about fishing, farming and the weaving of tweed." Little notes that, in places such as Stornaway, daily life isn't that different nowadays, though the use of technology withhin the local industries has evolved. An Ulster native jokingly states that life here, "makes Donegal look frenzied!"
However, despite the idyllic landscape, the Western Isles have faced recent uncertainty, mainly due to the collapse of the Bank of Credit and Commerce, though Brian Stewart (Chief Executive Western Isles Council) remains hopeful about the future. Another problem which faces the islands is the lack of a university and employment opportunities. This means that young adults have no choice but to leave. It's a fact which postman John Gilespie, originally from Derry, acknowledges, stating that when his children leave home, he will return to Northern Ireland.
There is much debate among the locals and newcomers about the strict Sunday rules - playground swings tied so no one can go on them, all shops closed and some locals even refusing to put out the washing! Whilst some in the community are pushing to loosen such rules, Angus MacMillian, from the Tourist Board, proclaims that, "you don't go to Rome to change Rome".