The Iolaire Working Group has announced that the public will be able to reserve tickets for the Iolaire community remembrance event from 9am on Monday September 10. The event, hosted by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, will take place at 9.30pm on Monday December 31 in the Lewis Sports Centre, and is the civic event to mark the centenary of the Iolaire tragedy, featuring military and school band performances, poetry readings and songs, drama and spiritual elements. Norman A MacDonald, chairman of the Iolaire Working Group, said: ‘This commemoration is of major significance for our islands. The events of that terrible night in January 1919 impacted on communities throughout the Western Isles and remain a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by our young men in the service of their country.
‘It is the worst tragedy to befall our islands and its effect reverberates to this day. This will be an opportunity for our community to bring in the New Year together as we remember the men and families associated with HMY Iolaire.’
Tickets for the event will be available to be reserved by two methods: online: www.cne-siar.gov.uk/news/2018/july/tickets -for-a-community- remembers-event/ or by telephone by calling 01851 600502.