Stornoway is the main town on the Isle of Lewis, in Scotland's Outer Hebrides - an area renowned for its unspoilt natural beauty and stunning scenery of mountains, moorland and golden beaches. The history of Lewis dates back thousands of years and around the island lie myriad ancient stone circles and standing stones, including the famous Carloway broch - a round Iron Age fortification.
Located on the east coast, Stornoway is a phonetic translation of 'Steering Bay' - a name given by Vikings first visiting this natural sheltered harbour. This attractive, bustling town was built on traditional trades including fishing, Harris Tweed and farming, and today you can enjoy fascinating insights into these industries in the local museum and the Lewis Loom Centre.
Just west of the town lies the neo gothic Lews Castle. Built between 1847-57 as a country house for Sir James Matheson - who purchased the island a few years previously - it was funded by his Chinese Opium fortune.
