Iain Maciver writes …

There is a lot of nonsense being written already about the arrangements for the civil partnership of Andrew Robertson and Craig Atkins since the news broke about them being the first couple having such a ceremony in the Western Isles.

Registrars are not being flown in specially. The law requires local authorities to make proper arrangements for such ceremonies. Therefore, the staff in the Stornoway office, being professional law-abiding people, will do what is required of them, just as anywhere else in Scotland.

Years ago, our backward little council said it would fly in registrars if necessary but that was before the law on such matters was clarified to rule out such foot-dragging. The usual homophobia for which the Western Isles is unfortunately renowned can be expected from the usual dinosaurs. We know who they are.

These will be the same people who, I learned this weekend, went round island care homes adding the names of residents to the petition against Sunday sailings – including those residents who were not fit to sign or consent to anything. The relatives are appalled. These are the self-same hardline Christians who tell us, day in day out, that they know what’s best for our souls. We know who they are.

They do not represent real islanders who are kind, accepting, freedom-loving souls who forgive easily and detest bigotry.  I am talking, of course, about the majority whose heads are not messed up by fundamentalist religion or a desperate need to catch every single vote from ageing electors.

I was absolutely delighted, and not a little relieved, to learn that  no one in Habost who was contacted would say a bad word against the happy couple. God bless the Niseachs.

The sensible and silent majority, who this weekend finally realised they are  now the people with the real power in these islands, will wish Andrew and Craig all the very best. Congratulations.

PS. What a few days. Shaking off the yokes of ignorance and prejudice and embracing progress, despite the stubbornness of those who would keep us in the darkness, is just about the best fun I have had in ages – at least while keeping my pyjamas on.