A flight to Stornoway (Steornabhagn in Gaelic) on the Isle of Lewis takes you to the capital of the Western Isles, or Outer Hebrides. Taking its name from Viking for “Steering Bay”, Stornoway has the Isle’s best natural harbour, while Stornoway Castle (destroyed by Cromwell in 1653) was originally built by the MacNicols in 1100.
Step back further in time to wander through Callanish’s 39 standing stones (Calanais), perhaps 5,000 years old, while more recent history, including Harris tweed weaving, is on display at Museum Nan Eileen (Stornoway Museum). Take in some Celtic music at An Lanter (The Lantern), Stornoway’s new harbour waterfront arts centre.
Picnic at the Woodlands Centre in mock-Tudor Lews Castle’s grounds, overlooking Stornoway, or explore this most northerly Western Isle’s rugged coastline with awe-inspiring beaches. Seek out otters, eagles and seals.
Local traditions still hold Sundays as rest days, while a traditional Celtic welcome (failte) includes such fine local food as shellfish and Hebridean lamb. Try Stornoway Marag Dubh (black pudding) from local butchers WJ Macdonald.
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