Scotland4me.net Out and About

	Scotland4me.net	'Out and About'
'Isle of Lewis'
	Brief history - The Isles of Lewis and Harris are situated at the north west corner of the group of Islands known as the Hebrides, or Western Isles. Lewis is soaked in history and culture dating from thousands of years ago. Ancient stone circles stand on the same land as modern Stornoway. Gaelic is spoken alongside English, and Otters live alongside Eagles and humans. During the summer months local people can be seen cutting the peats and in the winter the distinctive dry smell of the peat fires drifts in the wind. The name of MacLeod is prominently seen in the area. Sundays are still a very special day with many people observing strict compliance to the "Free Church" traditional values.
	Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis and is also the home of the Western Isles Council. Over 6,000 people live in Stornoway which represents about a third of the Islands total population. The economy is a mix of traditional businesses like fishing, textiles (Harris Tweed) and farming but recently adding Tourism to that list. The oil industry and commerce introduced the island to the digital revolution and communications. Stornoway is the main port on the Island due to its sheltered location. The ferry to Ulapool is a regular visitor. The sheltered harbour is the main reason for Stornoway's existence and was named by the visiting Vikings "Steering Bay" which when phonetically translated became 'Stornoway'.
	Lews Castle is a Victorian age castle found west of the town of Stornoway. It was built in the years 1847 to 1857 as a country house for Sir James Matheson who had bought the whole island a few years previously with his fortune from the Chinese Opium trade. In 1918 the Lewis estate including the castle was bought by industrialist Lord Leverhulme from the Matheson family. He gifted the castle to the people of Stornoway parish in 1923. The Castle was used as accommodation for air and ground crew of 700 Naval Air Squadron during World War 11. In present times the building is owned by the local council Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
	Stornoway Fish Smokers - The premier supplier of smoked fish, kippers, salmon, and shellfish. ry, Stornoway Fish Smokers is the last of the traditional kippering houses on the island and one of the few remaining on the west coast of Scotland. Famous for over 150 years these are split, salted and smoked hanging from tenterhooks as tradition demands. Excess moisture and oil runs off the kippers allowing the oak and beech smoke to flavour the herring and add colour naturally. The result is mouth watering and exceptional. You can also obtain boneless kippers.
	An Lantair is the Islands Arts Centre it is based on the waterfront of Stornoway Harbour near the ferry terminal. Inside you will find the gallery serves food all day. It also houses exhibitions, live music and events, shopping and creative workshops. From here you can see lovely views out over the harbour. The new building is a great new addition to the islands facilities and a good place to mix with locals and hear some Gaelic
	Stonrnoway Museum - The museum was established in 1983 by the Western Isles Council and changed its address to its present home in 1995. The building was once the Secondary Department for the Nicolson Institute. The museum holds collections of objects, photographs, prints and paintings and archives illustrating the archaeology, social, domestic and economic history of the islands.
	scotland4me.net2007