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Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis
and is also the home of the Western Isles Council. Just over 6,000 people
live in the town, which represents about a third of the Islands total
population. The economy is a mix of traditional businesses like fishing,
Harris Tweed and farming, with more recent influences like Tourism, the oil
industry and commerce brought about by the digital revolution and
communications.
Stornoway is the main port on the Island, due to its
sheltered location with the ferry to Ullapool a regular visitor. The
sheltered harbour is the reason for Stornoway's existence and was named by the
visiting Vikings "Steering Bay" which, when phonetically translated,
became the name Stornoway.
The town has a wide range of facilities ranging
from a large secondary school, (Nicholson Institute) and technical college, to
sporting facilities, which includes a brand new sports complex. The
complex would be the envy of most mainland small cities
with its 25 metre pool, climbing walls, fitness suite,
soft play etc. Click here to see more in detail.
The town also has a
Golf
Course, Astro Turf pitch,
Go-Carting and
even a paintball action area. Cruises around the
area by boat are available during the summer months,
embarking from the pontoons behind the Lifeboat Station. Cultural facilities are well catered for with a good
museum,
art gallery and
library.
A brand new arts complex will be open in summer 2005.
In the grounds of Lews
Castle, the Stornoway Trust has
developed a series of well maintained woodland walks of
varying lengths and scenic features. Click here to
find out more.
The Gaelic language is still spoken widely, however, it is not so common to hear
it in Stornoway as in the countryside. Help about commonly used Gaelic
words and phrases can be found on our Gaelic page.
Accommodation and
Hotels are plentiful and a list of the different
providers can be found on the Accommodation links. Places to eat out are also plentiful and range from restaurants
and cafes to takeaways and hotels. Hot snack
meals can also be obtained at the main garage in
Stornoway
Lews Castle.
Overlooking Stornoway harbour, the impressive Lews
Castle (not Lewis Castle) was built in the mid 1800's by
a rich merchant called Sir James Matheson of the Jardine
Matheson company. Sir James bought the island of Lewis
in 1844, developed this wonderful woodland area and
built his mock Tudor castle. Lord Leverhume bought the
building, complete with the island, in 1918, and in 1923
gave it back to the people of Lewis. The castle has been
used since as a hospital in the Second World War, and
also as a college and school, before being deemed
unsafe. No public entry.
(Map
Grid Ref: A3
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Click on images to
enlarge
Fáilte (Welcome)
Image by John MacLean
of Stornoway
Isle of Lewis ferry
StornowayTrust Centre
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