The example of Eigg
Sir: Michael Bywater's article on a Hebri- dean funeral (1 January) brought out the poignant contrast between the dignity of that sad occasion and the Las Vegas baro- que of the Municipal Way of Death. However, the identity of the deceased and his island home deserve to be rescued from the obscurity of Mr Bywater's Celtic Twilight view of Highland life.
Contrary to Mr Bywater's one-line dismissal, there is much that is worth saying about the life of Fergus Gowans. Unlike re- cent owners of the island, Fergus was a true spiritual guardian of Eigg's heritage and welfare, as a councillor for the Small Isles and concerned member of the community. His 'quietness and modesty' were seasoned by a sparkling humour and congeniality. Old Sam Johnson on his Hebridean tour would have delighted in Fergus's generous hospitality and intelligent conversation in his gracious home. That home was blessed with a charming and caring wife who, far from being 'indistinguishable from the other island women', shines out against the pitch-black of Mr Bywater's description in a distinct luminosity of character and life, as do the other ladies of Eigg.
While alcoholism is as much a problem on Eigg as it is in Fleet Street, the island does not 'exist in a torpor of drink-sodden apathy'. It accepts and supports its alcoholics as full, functioning members of the community, not as outcasts. If only ur- ban communities would do the same.
Mr Bywater fails to distinguish sufficient- ly between the fortunes of the island estate and those of the island crofting community. If only British industry could match the enterprise of the younger members of Cleadale and the neighbouring island of Muck in producing goods for its 'overseas' markets. If only British society could in- tegrate its weak and able, Catholic and Pro- testant, native and immigrant into a com- mon, harmonious social life as well as the inhabitants of Eigg have done. These achievements are due in no small measure to the life of Fergus Gowans.
Mr Bywater's strictures about Eigg are
better applied to that other offshore island — Britain. Indeed sir, 'You could regard them as a people cut off from their tradi- tions who have not yet found moorings in the modern world.' Perhaps we could try the islands some 20 miles out in the sound of Arisaig.
William F. Storrar
Assistant Warden, Fraser House, The University of Edinburgh
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