 | Stornoway is situated on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland and has a population of around 8,000 people. It is now the main town and administrative centre for the Outer Hebrides, being home to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council).
Although many people who live in Stornoway can speak Scottish Gaelic, the main language of Stornoway is English and it is also one of the few places in the Outer Hebrides where roadsigns are written in English.
Historically it is believed the town grew around three villages including the fishing port in the natural harbour, from where ferries now sail to Ullapool on the Scottish mainland. Stornoway also has its own airport, Stornoway Airport, which has flights to Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.
The town has many interesting buildings worth visiting, such as Stornoway Town Hall, which is now home to an art gallery, the neo-gothic Lews Castle, where you'll find the Outer Hebrides' only 18-hole golf course, and the Lewis Loom Centre.
Every year in July around 10,000 visitors fock to Stornoway to experience the Hebridean Celtic Music Festival, which lasts for three days.
Other interesting facts about Stornoway include that in 1919 the town was the scene of the sinking of the Iolaire, one of the worst maritime disasters in UK waters, and that Stornoway is home to Gaelic singer Alyth McCormack.
Postcodes for Stornoway begin with the letters HS and as well as Stornoway itself the HS postcode includes Castlebay, Lochmaddy, Isle Of Lewis, Isle Of Benbecula, Isle Of Scalpay, Leverburgh, Harris, and Lochboisdale. |
