The Western Isles - The Rough Guide to Scottish Highlands and Islands - page 297

event, few crofters took up the offer - all they wanted was security of tenure, not
ownership. Whatever the merits of Leverhulme's plans, his departure left a huge gap
in the non-crofting economy, and between the wars thousands emigrated.

Stornoway (Steòrnabhagh)
In these parts, STORNOWAY is a buzzing metropolis, with around nine thousand
inhabitants, a one-way system, a pedestrian precinct and all the trappings of a large
town. It's a centre for employment, a social hub for the island and home to the
Western Isles Council, or Comhairle nan Eilean Siar , set up in 1974, which has done
so much to promote Gaelic language and culture. Aesthetics are not its strong point,
however, and the urban pleasures on offer are limited, but in July Stornoway hosts the
Hebridean Celtic Festival ( W hebceltfest.com), a Celtic music festival. The main arena is
in Lews Castle grounds, and the festival club is in An Lanntair, but events are held
right across Lewis and Harris.

6

1 2

War Memorial &

STORNOWAY

Co-op
Supermarket 0 200

yards

N

3

Golf Course

4

Woodland
Centre

Lewis
Loom Centre

Lews Castle

Sports
Centre
& Pool

1

Tourist
Office

Free
Church

Library

5

Fish
Market

3 2

To w n
Hall

4

5

Church of
Scotland

An
Lanntair

J

Bus Station

Supermarket

PUB
The Criterion

CalMac Ferry
Terminal

2

ACCOMMODATION
Cairn Dhu
Heb Hostel
Hebridean Guest House
Jannel
Laxdale Holiday Park

CAFÉS & RESTAURANTS
An Lanntair
Digby Chick
Stornoway Balti House
Thai Café

4
5
3
2
1

5
3
4
1