Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides/Western Isles of Scotland

Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis has, over the years, had mixed reviews as a tourist destination. The "Rough Guide To" rather unfairly said in their review that "aesthetics are not it's strong point" but, to be fair the review is a few years old (3rd ed 2004) and the Western Isles Council (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) has worked hard to beautify the town centre. Today the town is far prettier than just a couple of years ago, especially in the spring and summer.

The photograph to the left shows Lews Castle which can be seen across the harbour from Stornoway. The castle grounds are rather densely wooded but some very interesting walks have been plotted out and it is well worth making the time to explore as much of the area as you can. Apparently, when the castle was built, the area was cleared of inhabitants and tons and tons of soil imported to enable the trees and other plants to grow.

Today the castle grounds are home to the local golf course and the relatively new Woodland Centre, which has an excellent cafe and a small exhibition which covers some of the history of Lews Castle.

High upon a hill overlooking Stornoway is the town's War Memorial (shown right) which features the names of all the names of those islanders lost during the First World War but also includes the names of those lost when the Iolaire sank killing just over 200 ex-servicemen returning home from the war.

We will, at a later date, take a closer look at the Iolaire disaster as nearly everybody in the town of Stornoway and the whole of the Isle of Lewis either lost a family member or knew a friend who had. The deep sorrow caused by the disaster had a profound effect upon the islands which lasted for a number of years.

If you are interested in the history of Stornoway please call back soon as we are currently researching the subject which is rather interesting and sometimes amusing.