The Reform Act 1832 “set men a-thinking; it enlarged the horizon of political experience; it led the public mind to ponder somewhat on the circumstances of our national history; to pry into the beginnings of some social anomalies which, they found, were not so ancient as they had been led to believe, and which had their origin in causes very different from what they had been educated to credit; and insensibly it created and prepared a popular intelligence to which one can appeal …" Freedom of speech and political debate are important to me. The very heart of a democracy must be preserved by those who lead their lives beyond the formal recognition of politics.

We all have the potential to be free. We must seize this opportunity and keep it alive for others. We must give young people a stake in politics by demonstrating that democratic politics is the route to improving their life and the society around them. If this is to happen they must be given a chance to get by a job which makes full use of their talents, treats them with respect and gives them the means to secure home, self respect and recognition for their contribution. Politics is life. Justice, peace and equality achieved by reasoned debate are our aims.

[Pictured: some unusal trees on the green opposite St Michael's Terrace, Wood Green. The New River has flowed under this land since 1667.]

It is possible to walk from the Butt of Lewis to Vatersay largely off road and using long forgotten routes. The Outer Hebrides The Timeless Way (ISBN 0-9550696-0-2) describes a walk from the Butt of Lewis to Vatersay, the isles’ most southerly inhabited island. It crosses moors and mountains, beaches and rivers, past working crofts, weaver's cottages and fisherman’s wharves, using ancient navigational aids. The timeless way visits historic villages, ancient chapels and castles, thatched hostels and beehive houses. For a fuller description click here

This 230 mile long distance walk is described in eleven chapters which paint a unique picture of these lively and friendly Celtic communities. The book proposes the creation of the Outer Hebrides Way.

Experience a unique view of the islands. Their old tracks and paths bring to life historical anecdote and human stories. From first to last the book paints an intimate picture of how the landscape has fashioned the story of the islands. Here is an expression of freedom - the freedom to roam. A route map can be found at www.outerhebridesway.org . Here is the ultimate Outer Hebrides walking holiday.

To purchase a copy of book from the publishers in Stornoway (Price £9.99, plus £1 postage within the UK) Click Here.

[Pictured: the footpath to the remote village of Rhenigidale, Isle of Harris, in the Outer Hebrides.]