Introduction
This evening, I am focusing on the Butt of Lewis (Rubha Robhanais in Gaelic), on the Isle of Lewis. This represents the northernmost tip of the Outer Hebrides, a chain of islands off Scotland’s west coast.
Information on the Butt of Lewis
This is a rugged and exposed location with chief features comprising:
- A David Stevenson designed lighthouse dating from the 1860s. This was constructed of red brick and was automated in 1998 .(The Stevenson family’s involvement in lighthouse engineering began with Robert Stevenson (1772-1850). Author, Robert Louis Stevenson was the grandson of Robert.)
- Very ancient rocks known as Lewisian gneiss which date back between 2.6bn and 1.6bn years ago.
- Port Stoth is nearby, a very pretty cove with a sandy beach.
Home to some of the 370 species of birds found on Lewis which include shags, redwings, kittiwakes and fulmars.
This location can be extremely windy and great care is required owing to sheer cliff faces.
The site is about 29 miles north of Stornoway, the principal town on Lewis.
Video clip
Nearby places to visit
Ness Old Cemetery: A very historic cemetery situated close the sea. There are many old burials here most of which are identified with a simple stone slab and no inscription. The landscape is very sandy with a large population of rabbits.
Dun Eistean: Situated on a small islet, this was the ancient stronghold of the Morrisons of Ness. Little remains on the surface but from the air the outline of buildings can be seen. The site was excavated by Glasgow University 2000-2004
Steinacleit Stone Circle: This is not as spectacular as Callanish but is, nevertheless, a fascinating site which has yet to to be excavated. There is a circular structure masked by 11 large stones which itself lies to one side of a larger oval enclosure.
More information for the visitor
For more information on Lewis, other Scottish islands and sightseeing in Scotland please refer to the Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4. This publication is also available via Kindle.