Braighe House

Beep Beep

by bignick

Don't be worried when you're walking round town when a car goes by and gives a toot from their horn. They're merely acknowledging a fellow Hebridean from Stornoway who's probably going the other way, and will similarly toot.

be prepared

by margaretvn

good strong walking shoes are needed if you are exploring the Isles plus waterproof and windproof clothing. We had marvellous weather in May but you are neve far from the sea and it can be windy cold and wet. there are shops in Stornoway where you can get all the things you need but it is at one end of the island and quite a drive from the other end. So take all you really need with you. lots of film is needed (you can buy it in Stornoway) because the landscape is wonderful and with the marvellous light and clouds there you will take more photos than you thought you would! good strong walking shoes as the land is rough. sun protection is needed as there is not much shade and it can get sunny combined with wind - I got quite burnt.

Steornabhagh

by kit_mc

"Hebridean Capital"

Stornoway (Scottish Gaelic - Steornabhagh) is the largest town in the Western Isles with a population of around 8,000 and as such it's kind of difficult to avoid ending up here on at least one occasion. That in itself is no bad thing as there's plenty to keep you occupied here at least a day or so.

Stornoway is also your best bet for finding a petrol station or a restaurant open on Sundays, when virtually everything on Lewis closes. More than likely you'll at least end up here for supplies to keep you going, but be sure to take a good look around while you're here.

Stornoway isn't a big place, but as the largest town it's also the main focus for the social and cultural life of the island. Here you'll find the arts centre, An Lanntair (The Lantern) which houses a small artsy-fartsy shop, a nice cafe and a gallery space with various exhibitions. For more culture and history visit the excellent Museum nan Eilean on Francis Street. Here you'll find a mixture of archeaology and social history. And you'll hardly be able to miss Lews Castle, squatting like a series of beige Duplo bricks, decaying above the town.

As well as a bit of culture, you'll find some promising restaurants, but be aware that despite this being practically a metropolis by local standards, things close earlier around here. Make sure that you've got yoursel finto a restuarant fairly early as all of them are pretty much closed by 10pm. Basing yourself in Stornoway might not be a bad idea during a visit to Lewis and Harris as the island is small enough for the town to be close enough to thye major sights such as the callanish Standing Stones. Close by is St Columba's church at Aignish, an ancient church set beside a gorgeous beach.

Stornoway at last!

by margaretvn

For so long I have been waiting and hoping for a page for Stornoway and now al last i have one. Now I will have to dig out my photos and information and get working on my page.
We visited the little town of Stornoway during a trip where we visited several of the Western Isles. I think it is a part of the United Kingsdom which is often forgotten as a holiday destination but it is a lovely part of the world with a tantalising mixture of (very old) history a culture which has survived the passage of time, and a majestical nature. We loved it and want to go back one day ..... more to come as soon as possible