"Stornoway" Top 5 Page for this destination Stornoway by Adelle123

Stornoway Travel Guide: 58 reviews and 71 photos

So, you want to come to Stornoway! It's the only town in the Western Isles and a fantastic base to explore Lewis and Harris. Have a look through some of my tips before you come and visit.

Is it true about Stornoway...

That it rains 250 days a year and drizzles the rest?
Nearly, but most rain showers tend to pass quickly and there's plenty of sunshine in between.

That everyone speaks gaelic?
Although most people here speak Gaelic, everyone speaks english too. Its common for a local to start a sentance in english and finish it in gaelic.

That the swings are tied up on Sunday?
Not usually, although playing is discouraged by some of the more religious people.

That you can't even by petrol on a Sunday?
The BP garage on the road to point has recently opened for a few hours each sunday. I'm not sure if it will last through the winter though.

That Stornoway is a very safe place?
Yes, in general. The people here are very polite too... most don't even swear!

Some gaelic sayings

How are you? Ciamar a tha sibh?
I am fine. Tha mi gu math.
Do you speak Gaelic? A bheil sibh a' bruidhinn a' Ghàidhlig?
I speak English. Tha mi a' bruidhinn Beurla.
We like Indian food. 'S toil leinn biadh Innseanach.
How about going swimming? Dè mu dheidhinn a dhol a shnàmh?
It is very cold. Tha i glè fhuar.
It was beautiful yesterday. Bha e brèagha an-de.
I would give her the hundred kisses! Tugainn fhein dhi na ceudan pòg!
Who was that sheep I saw you with last night? Cò an caora sin còmhla riut a chunnaic mi an-raoir?
Will you give me a kiss? An toir thu dhomh pòg?

Pros and Cons

Pros:it's quiet
Cons:it's far

Intro Updated Sep 14, 2004
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Reviews (11)

Harris Tweed Shop Things to Do (2)

This feusty little shop has tons of various patterns of tweed. It's also got a loom so you can see how it's made. The... more travel advice

Good Standard Food Restaurants (3)

Very large portions, and around £9 for a main course. It's a good clean atmosphere suitable for children early in the... more travel advice

how to get here Transportation (1)

The most scenic way to get to Stornoway from the mainland is from the Uig ferry on Skye to Tarbert on Harris. There's... more travel advice

Seal spotting Things to Do (2)

Although Stornoway isn't the best place in Scotland to see seals, they can occasionally be found in the inner harbour.... more travel advice

Comments (10)

kokoryko Apr 23, 2007 at 1:07 PM Report Abuse

You live in a terrific place Adelle; I will be careful with sundays (euuuh pubs are closed on Sundays?) I I happen to come one day! I like a lot your cairns on your HP travelogues
scottishvisitor Oct 10, 2006 at 2:08 PM Report Abuse

I have always wanted to go to Stornoway but might avoid a Sunday!!
kit_mc Sep 12, 2006 at 5:19 PM Report Abuse

After a circuit of the streets decided to retire to my room with my wine rather than join the locals!! But I could hear the Walk (and the Drive) into the early hours from my hotel room!!
Nemorino Apr 16, 2006 at 6:31 AM Report Abuse

One of the best pub-crawling tips I've seen here on VT up to now.
GillianMcLaughlin Feb 24, 2006 at 8:45 AM Report Abuse

Hey - some really fun tips here - takes me back to wonderful days spent here with friends who live up on Smith Avenue... gives me a hankering to go back
whitecliff62 Nov 21, 2005 at 11:46 AM Report Abuse

Wonderfull place to live, i bet its really quiet as well.
nickandchris Oct 11, 2005 at 2:26 PM Report Abuse

Looks and sounds wonderful.I love seal watching. What about midges?
Ben-UK Sep 27, 2005 at 10:24 AM Report Abuse

Had a great holiday in Scotland this year -- must visit the isles next time -- very nice page with beautiful photos, thanks.
lou31 Jun 26, 2005 at 7:01 AM Report Abuse

Nice pages Adelle..I loved Scotland. Never did get to any other isles other than Skye. Love the name of the posh restaurant...Digby Chicks! lol
RhineRoll Oct 4, 2004 at 3:01 PM Report Abuse

LOL -- I like "The Walk" tip. We don't have to do that here where about 3 million people live in an area of the same size as Lewis/Harris. But we've got sticky air and no beaches around :-( Leis gachd beannachd, Winfried, anns A'Ghearmailt