Lews Castle
Lews Castle is situated in a spectacular position overlooking Stornoway harbour and was built by opium baron Sir James Matheson in 1847.
Lord Leverhulme later owned the Castle and, in 1923, he gifted it along with the surrounding estate to the people of Stornoway. Over time, the Castle served as a college, but it eventually fell out of use. Since then, it has undergone a carefully phased, four-year programme of renovation and redevelopment.
The first phase focused on essential repair and conservation work to the existing Castle. Subsequently, the project introduced a new extension housing a museum and archive, which connects directly to the restored public rooms of Lews Castle. This addition aimed to create a new Hebridean heritage hub. As a result, the islands’ historic treasures and documents—including some of the world-famous Lewis chessmen—have returned home.
A glass-roofed courtyard, built over the former service quarters, links the new extension to the Castle. This space also includes a café and shop, enhancing the visitor experience. In the final phase, developers transformed the Castle’s upper floors into luxury holiday accommodation. This area now features 24 bedrooms, with several offering adjoining living spaces.
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar leads the £19 million project, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, the European Regional Development Fund, and a private sector partner.
