THE ISLE OF LEWIS

Studio Alba in located in Stornoway, which is the main town on the Scottish Hebridean island of Lewis. Stornoway has a population of 6000 whilst the overall population of the island itself is 18,000. Stornoway is the home of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council). The Nicolson Institute and Lews Castle College are also based in the town allowing further education without having to leave the islands. A new Sports Centre and a new Arts Centre opened in the town in 2005. As well as the New Sports Centre, a number of sporting facilities are available on the island. We have a golf club, good football facilities, a Go-Karting arena and a Paintball Action Area. Radio nan Gaidheal are a Gaelic radio station which has a base in Stornoway. A local radio station, Isles FM is also situated here. A number of tourist attractions ensure that we have a steady influx of visitors every year. The Calanais Stones are known across the globe whereas other attractions such as the Doune Carloway Broch and the Gearrannan Blackhouse Village are raising their profile as sites of interest for tourists.

The Island of Lewis is the heartland of the Gaelic language although the number of native speakers of the language has decreased dramatically over the years. Nevertheless, many of the local primary schools have Gaelic Medium Education Units which enable children to receive primary education through the medium of Gaelic. Gaelic is also offered as a subject in the secondary schools. As well as this, a number of Gaelic companies are based in Stornoway working on various aspects of the language; the arts, media, education etc. The Hebridean Celtic Festival, which takes place every summer is a major boost to the local economy bringing thousands of people from far a field to listen to traditional and contemporary music.

The economy of the islands has changed over the years. The more traditional occupations such as fishing and the Harris Tweed industry are still in place but have faded over the years although there are still a number making their living from these occupations. Newer, modern occupations have now come to fruition with many local businesses being established in the town and in the rural villages.

ACCOMMODATION

There is a wide variety of accommodation available on the Islands. There are numerous Hotels, Guesthouses, Bed and Breakfasts, Self Catering, Hostels, Caravans, Camping and Holiday Parks located in both town and country. For a direct link to all contact details of the accommodation available, please go to www.visithebrides.com.