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Tha coimhearsnachd làidir, sùnndach Phagastain air a bhith air a stèidheachadh ann an Leòdhas agus na Hearadh fad 60 bliadhna a-nise. Mean air mhean, as dèidh an dàrna cogaidh thòisich luchd-reic ùr le màileid loma làn a’ nochdadh anns na h-Eileanan an Iar, agus thar nam bliadhna tha a’ choimhearsnachd Phagastaineach air a bhith na pàirt làitheil de bheatha nan Eilean Siar. Cha robh iad ao-coltach ris a’ choimhearsnachd thùsail. Tha an cànan, agus traidiseanan sònraichte aca fhèin agus bha iad ag obair gu cruaidh, agus bha spèis aca dha càch a chèile. Gu dearbha dh’ionnsaich mòran den choimhearsnachd Phagastaineach beagan Gàidhlig, agus chaidh dàimh is càirdeas a stèidheachadh a tha a’ dol chun an là an-diugh. Thar nam bliadhna, mar a’ choimhearsnachd Ghàidhlig, tha e air a bhith na dhùbhlain dhaibh an cultar agus na traidiseanan aca a chumail beò, le mòran den òigridh a’ fàgail nan eilean gun dùil tilleadh. Ach leis a’ choimhearsnachd mu dheireadh thall a’ togail mosque ann an 2018, an e ceum a tha seo a bheir atharrachadh air cùisean?

There has been a strong and vibrant Pakistani community in Lewis & Harris for over 60 years now. Gradually, after WWII, travelling salesmen with packed suitcases appeared in the Western Isles, and over the years, the Pakistani community has become an integral part of everyday life in the Western Isles. There were many shared values with the local community. They had their own language and traditions and were hard working, and there was a mutual respect that is still there to this day. Indeed many of the Pakistani community learnt some Gaelic and lifelong friendships were made. Over the years holding on to their culture and traditions, like the local Gaelic community, has proved a challenge, with many of their young people also leaving the islands never to return. However with 2018 seeing the community finally establish their own mosque, is this a possible turning point?

In Gaelic with English subtitles.