Issue 3
Your guide to Lews Castle
It is our pleasure, as guardians of this iconic building, to extend a warm welcome and wish you a truly memorable stay, as you discover the latest chapter in the Castle's rich history... Designed by Glasgow architect Charles Wilson in the Gothic Revival style, the Castle sits on the site of the Seaforth Lodge, the island home for the Earls of Seaforth from the late 1600’s. The harled wall within the glazed courtyard (Storehouse Café) is remnant of this earlier house. In 1918, the Isle of Lewis along with the Castle was bought by the soap industrialist and social reformer Lord Leverhulme. He had great plans for developing Stornoway and Lewis and spent millions on a variety of projects. He modernised the Castle
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internally and extended the ‘shore road’ out to the River Creed. When he finally gave up on his plans in 1923 and moved his operations to Harris, Lord Leverhulme gifted the Castle and the land of Stornoway Parish to the community, setting up the Stornoway Trust. He also specified that the Castle should be called ‘Lews Castle’. Having served as a naval hospital during WW2, the Castle was converted to a College in 1952 and it continued in school use until 1988. After almost 20 years of disuse, the multi-million pound restoration of the Castle started in 2012 and was completed in 2017, which you can see today!
LATITUDE 58.211509, LONGITUDE -6.394375 POSTAL ADDRESS: ISLE OF LEWIS HS2 0XP
guest directory During your stay at Lews Castle, we want to ensure that your experience is nothing short of unforgettable, which is why we’ve supplied a selection of essential information to guide you through your visit. For further information, advice & recommendations, please contact our Central Team on 01625 416430 or our General Manager - Janette on 01851 281111 or 07787 296121
Download our app to unlock a wealth of useful information! Search: Together Travel
PLEASE VACATE YOUR ROOM BY 10AM ON THE DAY OF DEPARTURE, LEAVING YOUR KEY IN YOUR ROOM/APARTMENT
for your safety and comfort medical contacts
Please make sure all electrical appliances, ovens and hobs are switched off prior to leaving your accommodation. Please also close and lock windows and doors when leaving for the day. Due to the age of the castle, floors, walls, and ceilings may be uneven, so please exercise caution when walking around the building.
Local Doctors Surgery The Group Practice (01851) 793 145 Health Centre, Springfield Road, Stornoway HS1 2PS
fire safety
public transport A daily bus service (ex. Sundays) runs from Stornoway Town Centre, (just a 20 minute walk away) via the Stornoway bus station. Visitors can travel across Lewis and Harris every few hours, enjoying the sights and scenery along the way.
first aid
All accommodation at Lews Castle is fitted with Fire, Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors, Fire Extinguisher and a Fire Blanket. In the event of a fire, please evacuate the building - avoiding the lift, and head to the fire assembly point in the main car park. Please familiarise yourself with the fire evacuation route as per the signage within your accommodation.
First aid kits can be located under the kitchen sink, or via our team on the Ground Floor.
SMOKING IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED WITHIN THE CASTLE WALLS.
banking
Out-of-Hours Emergencies please call NHS 24: 111 or 999 Western Isles Hospital (01851) 704 704 Macaulay Road, HS1 2AF Dental Centre (01851) 707 500 Macaulay Road Stornoway
fuel up
MANOR FILLING STATION 70 Bayhead · 01851 701920
For further information please speak to our friendly team or visit cne-siar.gov.uk. PLEASE NOTE, CARS ARE LEFT IN THE CAR PARK AT OWNERS OWN RISK. WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR CARS, OR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE.
We are fully equipped for the use of cards but if you prefer using cash, there are many ATM’s available in Stornoway town centre, at both banks and supermarkets. The nearest cashpoint to Lews Castle can be found at the Macaulay Road Co-op Supermarket, available 24 hours a day.
CAMPBELL ANGUS Cannery Rd · 01851 702127
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Lews Castle by Together Travel
A warm welcome to Lews Castle!
"We are delighted that you have chosen to stay at Lews Castle please let us know if we can do anything at all to enhance your stay." – Janette, General Manager
wi-fi
recycle
have your say
We have complimentary Wi-Fi so you can catch-up and share your favourite moments with us, by tagging @togethertravelco #togethertravelco
Our natural environment is spectacular, which is why we encourage you to recycle your waste. Please note that bins have been placed inside each room & apartment for general waste disposal. Should you exceed this amount, please tie up the sacks and place them in the large bins situated in the grounds (next to the museum).
If you’d like to share your top tips for future guests or have any issues or queries, we want to hear from you. If you do not find the accommodation prepared to your satisfaction, please speak to our General Manager, Janette, immediately upon arrival. Please also report any breakages during your stay to our team.
Wi-Fi Password:
greatoutdoors (lowercase)
our recommended restaurants
DIGBY CHICK Modern and elegant food with a relaxed dining experience. 01851 700026
HARRIS & LEWIS SMOKEHOUSE A uniquely Hebridean experience with the finest of produce from Scotland's Islands. 01851 619238
UIG SANDS RESTAURANT Serving fresh local food overlooking the beautiful Uig Sands. 01851 672334
AN LANNTAIR Serving a delicious all day menu with daily specials celebrating local produce. 01851 708490
HS1/THE BOATSHED The cuisine draws on traditional Scottish dishes, adding influences from around the world. 01851 702109
MACHAIR KITCHEN - TALLA NA MARA An exceptional restaurant combining culture and cuisine, overlooking the beach. 01851 503900
Please get in touch if you would like us to make a reservation on your behalf.
www.togethertravel.co.uk
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your gateway to the outer hebrides WONDERFUL WALKS Choose to explore the 270 hectares of Castle grounds and gardens, walking along the River Creed to Stornoway town centre, or set your sights a little further afield to the wide open landscapes of Lewis, with a visit to sights such as ‘The Bridge To Nowhere’ in Tolsta or 'The Butt of Lighthouse' in Ness. For epic hill walking, head to An Clisham, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides, (located on Harris).
Top Tip
Visit walkhighlands.co.uk for a full list of walking trails!
From the dramatic, mountainous landscape of Harris to the wide expanse of peat moors on Lewis, the Outer Hebrides have an abundance of stunning landscapes, which are best explored on foot. The only limitation is how far your legs will carry you! (For weary travellers, Guided Segway Tours are available within the Lews Castle grounds! Call 01851 702575 for further details.)
4 blissful beaches not to miss... 1. Luskentyre, HS3 3HL (1hr 15mins)
3. North Tolsta, HS2 0NP (25mins)
2. Uig Bay, HS2 9ET (50mins)
4. Eoropie, HS2 0XH (45mins)
4 John O'Groats
3 2 1 Ullapool
Inverness Airport
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Lews Castle by Together Travel
our insiders guide to the castle Did You Know...
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Sir James Matheson's original safe can still be found in our Matheson Suite - opened for the first time in decades during the renovation, there were no hidden treasures to be found, but we're sure it has witnessed many a secret conversation or two since the 1600's!
There are six grand staircases within the castle; Alexandra, Perceval, Wilson & Macsween (plus two secret spiral stairs that are hidden from public view!)
The star-lined corridor on the ground floor has been restored to it's original 1850's decoration, featuring 1,363 HAND-PAINTED gold stars!
In the historic 'Dining Room', look up at the ceiling - there are 'reveals' of the original decor with small flashes of golds, reds and greens on the timber beams...
Whilst on the ground floor, step into the 'Library' - can you spot the screen above the door? There is a hidden 'minstrels' gallery behind here that once housed musicians, that played to guests below!
During the restoration, the huge bay windows in the 'Morning Room' were rebuilt stone by stone, according to original plans - the intricate botanical mural was also painstakingly repainted from the original Victorian photographs.
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The historic 'Steinway' Grand Piano in the Ballroom is over 100 years old and once graced the Stornoway Town Hall! The Ballroom itself was once used as a gymnasium during the Castle's time as a residential technical college, from 1952-1988.
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Bedtime Reading The Local Dialect
Dive into Hebridean life with our favourite island-based tales...
a rough guide to Gaelic...
1. THE LEWIS TRILOGY (The Blackhouse, The Lewis Man & The Chess Men) Author: Peter May
ENGLISH Hello
2. WHISKY GALORE Author: Compton Mackenzie
Goodbye
3. WHEN I HEARD THE BELL Author: John Macleod
GAELIC Halò. Mar sin leibh.
My name is...
Is mise...
How are you?
Ciamar a tha sibh?
I’m fine thank you.
Tha gu math tapadh leibh.
Excuse me...
Gabh mo leisgeul...
Where is... ?
Càite bheil... ?
I don’t understand Cheers!
Chan eil mi 'tuigsinn. Slàinte!
your unforgettable day.... ...our unforgettable setting
Create your own perfect moment at a unique wedding venue with luxurious accommodation, nestled amongst acres of magical woodland, on the stunning Isle of Lewis. For further information contact our Event Specialist: 01625 416 430 | events@togethertravel.co.uk
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Lews Castle by Together Travel
weather forecaster
sunny days
rainy days
STORNOWAY GOLF CLUB This 18 hole golf course, nestled in the Lews Castle grounds, boasts panoramic views of Stornoway Harbour.
HARRIS DISTILLERY A Hebridean must-visit, iconic success story and a 'social' distillery like no other. Experience the award-winning tour, take a wee dram, then gather around the peat fire to learn about the spirit of the Islands.
CLAY PIGEON SHOOTING Situated inside the beautiful and idyllic Aline Forest, Harris Gun Club offers a shooting experience you’ll not soon forget. DAY VISITS & SEA TOURS There are a wide variety of marine adventures available from Stornoway Harbour – just ask our team for further details. EAGLE OBSERVATORY Located in the heart of a Golden Eagle territory within the spectacular Harris hills, the North Harris Eagle Observatory provides one of the best opportunities in Scotland for viewing this iconic species. SEGWAY HEBRIDES Running throughout the Lews Castle grounds, the Segway experience is unlike anything you will have done before - these eco-friendly (zero emission) machines are intuitive, easy to ride & take only a short while to master. CALANAIS STONES Immerse yourself in the mystery of this Neolithic-era arrangment of standing stones, travelling back in time over 4,000 years! ANGLING, FORAGING & LOBSTER POTTING 'Hebrides Fish n Trips' offers private charters for up to 3 guests with seasoned skipper Lewis!
MUSEUM NAN EILEAN, LEWS CASTLE Home to the iconic Lewis chessmen, this interactive adventure is the perfect start to your Hebridean journey. AN LANNTAIR, STORNOWAY Multi-arts venue; a contemporary art gallery, a theatre, a cinema, a dance studio, a concert hall and more! LEWIS SPORTS CENTRE, STORNOWAY Fantastic for families with a pool & soft play area. SPORTS NIS, NESS One of the best sporting facilities in the Western Isles, with badminton courts, 10 pin bowling & swimming pool. ESSENCE OF HARRIS CANDLES Learn about how candles are made, the inspiration behind them and how to pour your very own candle. BORGH POTTERY Workshop & showroom of hand made Lewis pottery. TIUMPAN HEAD LIGHTHOUSE Educate yourself in the history of the active lighthouse and take in the breath-taking views of the surrounding shorelines.
SURF LESSONS There are many local surf schools on Lewis that offer tuition and equipment hire for all levels.
Missing us already?
B O O K AG A I N B E F O R E YO U L E AV E & R EC E I V E 1 0 % O F F YO U R N E X T S TAY !
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recipes for budding mixologists... If you've sought out your favourite tipple whilst exploring the Outer Hebrides, why not try your hand at some of our Lews Castle cocktail recipes - expertly crafted by our in-house team!
THE STORNOWAY
THE MATHESON
DEOCH A'CHAISTEAL
HARRIS GIN FIZZ
Our modern take on the 'Dark & Stormy', to warm the cockles...
An elegant special, perfectly paired with the castle surroundings...
Quite literally, the 'Castle Drink'...
Ideal for celebrations, offering a true taste of the Islands...
HAVANA RUM
COINTREAU
ABHAINN DEARG WHISKY
HARRIS GIN
BUNDABURG GINGER
CRANBERRY JUICE
DRAMBUIE
LEMON JUICE
BEER
PROSECCO
BITTERS
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SUGAR SYRUP SPARKLING WATER
Lews Castle by Together Travel
take a little 'lews' with you The Lews Castle Outfitters Store, (situated on the ground floor next to the Storehouse CafĂŠ), stocks an array of gifts and souvenirs. Whether you need something for the grandchildren or a bottle of local whisky, we have a gift to suit all! Our selection of branded gifts and museum souvenirs (including mini Lewis Chessmen, Harris Tweed and Harris Gin) will also ensure that you have something to treasure from your stay on the Isle of Lewis. Travelling with handluggage only? Never fear, we're happy to post any larger purchases directly to your home!
OPENING TIMES
Mon-Sun: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm Subject to seasonal changes.
*
www.togethertravel.co.uk
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lews castle
storehouse est. 2016
Located amongst the opulent ground floor rooms of Lews Castle, the Storehouse Cafe is the ideal spot to soak in the history of your surroundings during your stay. Proudly serving Starbucks drinks with a variety of locally-baked treats on offer, enjoy a well-deserved coffee break as you plan your next adventure. For a more substantial meal, the Storehouse offers a menu crammed with mouth-watering, locally-sourced dishes such as the traditional Scottish Salmon Platter and homemade pizzas, alongside freshly-toasted paninis and healthy specials. If you're looking to treat yourself to a hearty breakfast before exploring the island, there are plenty of dishes to tuck in to. From our traditional Full Scottish Breakfast (complete with famous Stornoway Black Pudding!) to creamy Scottish porridge or luxurious pastries, set yourself up for the day in style.
OPENING TIMES
Mon-Sun: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Subject to seasonal changes.
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Lews Castle by Together Travel
Join us for a pre- dinner cocktail or a taste of Scottish Whisky Serving a wide array of Highland tipples and hand-poured cocktails, our intimate Whisky Bar proves the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed drink before heading out to dinner. From aromatic Harris Gin (best served with a slice of grapefruit) to rich and peaty drams of Abhainn Dearg Whisky, let our expert team take you on a sensory journey of the Outer Hebrides from the comfort of one of our sumptuous Harris Tweed armchairs. From here, guests can gaze out over Stornoway harbour, watching the twinkling stars reflect in the inky blue waters of the Minch. *Whisky Bar opening hours subject to seasonal changes.
www.togethertravel.co.uk
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Issue 3
Your guide to Lews Castle
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where next?
Lews Castle | Isle of Lewis
Aislabeck | Yorkshire Dales
Canalside Cottages | Highlands
John O’Groats | Highlands
Fistral Beach | Newquay
Natures Point | North Wales
Trewhiddle Village | Cornwall
The Dillington Estate | Somerset
Carswell Farm | Devon
Sibton | Suffolk
The Cotswolds | Central England
The Kings Head | Cirencester
Gitcombe Estate | Devon
“From cosy cottages to majestic castles, we have a holiday home for all to enjoy...”
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