Other sights in Lewis (Leodhais)
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Callanish Standing Stones
The Callanish Standing Stones, 15 miles west of Stornoway on the A858 road, form one of the most complete stone circles in Britain and are one of the most atmospheric prehistoric sites anywhere. Its ageless mystery, impressive scale and undeniable beauty leave a lasting impression. Sited on a wild and secluded promontory overlooking Loch Roag, 13 large stones of beautifully banded gneiss are arranged, as if in worship, around a 4.5m-tall central monolith. Some 40 smaller stones radiate from the circle in the shape of a cross, with the remains of a chambered tomb at the centre. Dating from 3800 to 5000 years ago, the stones are roughly contemporary with the pyramids of Egy…
reviewed
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Arnol Blackhouse
One of Scotland’s most evocative historic buildings, the Arnol Blackhouse is not so much a museum as a perfectly preserved fragment of a lost world. Built in 1885, this traditional blackhouse – a combined byre, barn and home – was inhabited until 1964 and has not been changed since the last inhabitant moved out. The staff faithfully rekindle the central peat fire every morning so you can experience the distinctive peat-reek; there’s no chimney, and the smoke finds its own way out through the turf roof, windows and door – spend too long inside and you might feel like you’ve been kippered! The museum is just off the A858, about 3 miles west of Barvas.
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Iron Age House
In 1996 archaeologists excavated an entire Iron Age village at the head of Bosta beach. Afterwards, the village was reburied for protection, but a reconstruction of an Iron Age house now sits nearby. Stand around the peat fire, above which strips of mutton are being smoked, while the custodian explains the domestic arrangements – truly fascinating, and well worth the trip.
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Calanais Visitor Centre
The Calanais Visitor Centre is a tour de force of discreet design. Inside is a small exhibition that speculates on the origins and purpose of the stones, and an excellent café (snacks £1 to £5).
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Doune Broch Centre
The tiny, turf-roofed Doune Broch Centre has interpretative displays and exhibitions about the history of the broch and the life of the people who lived there.
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Blackhouse Museum
The Blackhouse Museum is a traditional 1955 blackhouse with displays on the village’s history.
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