Scotland

On an island far far away, right at the very periphery of Europe, there exists an historic group of islands known as the Hebrides. Having been inhabited by man since well before 3,500 BC there is much evidence of his existence and none more spectacular than the Standing Stones of Calanais on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides off the west coast of Scotland. These incredible stones stand tall against the harsh winds and horizontal rain that makes up most of the Hebridean weather. Often admired for their shear beauty but more often for their uniqueness (there are four avenues creating a crucifix shape with a circle at the crossing point) the Calanais Standing Stones are among the most important in Europe.

As well as the famous standing stones there are a massive number of prehistoric sites on the Isle of Lewis with many more yet to be discovered. The islands of the Outer Hebrides were, in the past, an incredibly important place in the history of mankind and was immensely influential in the formation of the nation of Scotland and it’s culture. Today the islands are mainly visitors wishing to take in the natural beauty of the place while others like to visit, from far off places, to trace their families roots. Whatever brings you to the Outer Hebrides you can almost be certain that you will be spending some time in the main town of the Outer Hebrides and Isle of Lewis, Stornoway.

In 1650 Stornoway was but a small fishing village on a remote island out in the North Atlantic ocean. The owner of the island had brought over some Dutchmen with the aim of starting a herring fishing industry and they soon became part of the local community. It was not until the nineteenth century, when the town’s population exploded to around 3,000 souls, that the herring industry would reach it’s peak. In just a small space of time the sweet little village would become one of the largest herring fishing ports in the whole of Europe. Together with the fishing industry and the associated industries Stornoway quickly gained three banks and a number of splendid buildings along the harbour front. During the herring season migrant workers would treble the town’s population to over 9,000 people. Sadly, by 1918, the herring industry had all but disappeared and the town was facing a bleak future.

Even with the purchase of the island by Lord Leverhulme (Lever Bros.) in 1918, and his subsequent investments, the herring industry failed to recover. Sadly today many of the fine buildings built during this ‘boom’ period of the town’s history, have long gone. Some simply outlived their usefulness, others crumbled through lack of maintenance while others were demolished to make way for more modern structures. Happily sufficient numbers of older buildings remain to make Stornoway a pretty little fishing town worth visiting and can be an excellent base station for a Hebridean vacation. One building that has survived, since it first opened in 1850, is the Royal Hotel which can be found just at the tip of the town centre overlooking the marina, harbour and Lews Castle grounds. As well as the gorgeous period frontage many of the period features of the building’s interior have been retained in the rooms facing to the front. Exquisitely decorated and extremely comfortable the Royal Hotel is the most beautiful of all those in the area and certainly the closest to everything the town has to offer the visitor.

On the very outskirts of the town is the Caberfeidh Hotel which has long been regarded as the finest hotel in Stornoway because of it’s luxurious rooms and fantastic function rooms. By being on the outskirts of the town the Caberfeidh has the advantages of quieter, and incredibly beautiful, surroundings but without being too far from the centre of town (only a few minutes drive away). Totally surrounded by well kept gardens, and with the amazing grounds of Lews Castle just over the road, the Caberfeidh can be the most relaxing place to stay.

On the opposite side of town, and again on the outskirts, is another hotel owned by the same group. The Caladh Inn has the most rooms available and is the largest of the three hotels but offers the same ultra high quality of service and facilities. Still within walking distance of the town centre, the Caladh Inn is the closest accommodation to the local airport and very near the ferry terminal and bus station. If you prefer a more ‘city like’ hotel then the Caladh Inn should prove perfect for you.

Alternatively you could choose to stay in a small guest house either in the town or just outside. The, 2 star, Thorlee Guest House is right at the very centre of town and where all the fun is. If you want bed and breakfast in more sedate surroundings then the, 4 star, Holm View Guest House is the perfect solution being firmly set in the open countryside but only about five or ten minutes from anywhere in Stornoway.