Stornoway

(Steòrnabhagh)

Classification and Statistics

Settlement Type: small town
Population (2011): 5714    
(2001): 5602
(1991): 5975
(1981): 8639
(Combined with Laxdale, Newmarket, Plasterfield and Sandwick)
(1971): 5152
(1961): 5229
(1951): 4954
(1901): 3711
(Police Burgh)
(1881): 2627
(1871): 2525
(1861): 2587
(1841): 1354

Tourist Rating: Two Stars
Text of Entry Updated: 09-MAY-2020
Location

Latitude: 58.2083°N Longitude: 6.3887°W
National Grid Reference: NB 423 328
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History
Stornoway Castle, which once lay near the ferry terminal, was built by the Nicholsons in the 12th century but destroyed by Cromwell's troops in 1653 and the ruins removed in 1882 to make way for a pier.

In 1598, James VI decided to raise some funds for his empty treasury by establishing a colony on Lewis and contracted a group of East Coast farmers and gentry - known as the Fife Adventurers - to "plant policy and civilisation in the hitherto most barbarous Isle of Lewis". They captured Stornoway Castle and established a settlement. However, after illness, lack of money and constant harrying by the locals the settlement was abandoned in 1610.

References and Further Reading
Grant, James Shaw (1985) Stornoway and the Lews. James Thin, Edinburgh
Miers, Mary (2008) The Western Seaboard: An Illustrated Architectural Guide. The Rutland Press, Edinburgh

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