Salvation Army helps islanders left stranded by road crash
published on 24 Jan 2024
The Salvation Army came to the aid of stranded travellers on the Isle of Lewis in north-west Scotland on Tuesday evening during Storm Jocelyn.
Officers from the charity's community church in Stornoway opened the building to around 30 adults and children affected by a road accident that left the only north-south road closed in both directions for several hours while a Coastguard rescue team attended the scene. The accident happened as storms brought gales and heavy rain to the islands, resulting in widespread travel disruption.
Lieutenant Faith Thompson, who leads The Salvation Army in Stornoway with her husband Christopher, said: "When we heard about the crash we opened our hall to anyone needing a warm, dry place. We provided hot drinks, toast, soup, pastries, chocolate, crisps, puzzle books, War Cry magazines, a charging point for mobiles, toilets and baby changing facilities. The service was appreciated by all who attended, with some returning having heard incorrect rumours that the road was to open earlier.”
One motorist who took shelter in the hall said: "It's very much appreciated by us folk who can't get home and the storm going on outside. It's a nice brew too."
