Introduction

This evening, I am focusing on the town of Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The latter comprise a chain of islands which lie well out into the Atlantic off the N.W. coast of Scotland.

Information on Stornoway

This town has evolved from an original Viking era, Norse settlement. Today, the population of about 9000 which ranks as one of the most populous communities in the Highlands and Islands. The town and 70,000 acres of land is owned by the Stornoway Trust which is administered by ten elected trustees. Other facts and information :

• Historically, the two most powerful clans on the island have been the Nicolsons ( MacNicol) and the Mackenzies. Clan Morrison had a power base in the N.E.of Lewis.
• Before ownership was passed to the Stornoway Trust ownership rested with two industrialists, Sir James Matheson and then Lord Leverhulme.
• Industries today include fishing, seaweed processing and wind turbine manufacture.
• Stornoway can be accessed from the mainland by ferry and airplane.
• The Gaelic language is widely spoken.
• The Free Church of Scotland (Presbyterian) is the dominant religion. There is little commercial activity on a Sunday.
• A traditional product is the Stornoway Black Pudding. This has been granted Protected Geographical Indication by the European Commission. This  means the product  can only be described as Stornoway Black Pudding if it is produced in the town or parish of Stornoway on Lewis.
• Near to the town centre is Lews Castle which dates from the 1850s. The building is not open to the public but the extensive grounds are.

Stornoway is an intriguing place, very traditional and not dominated by tourism. This offers a good base to tour the island of Lewis. Here can be found many historical riches which include the famous Callanish Stones and Carloway Broch.

More information.

Information on Scotland’s islands and history can be found in Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication also provides a wide range of information for the tourist across the whole of Scotland. Also available via Kindle.