Today, was uncharted territory for everyone...it was the
first time for us and a Holland America ship has ever been to Stornoway...as well
as the largest cruise ship to ever harbor here...we were off the ship on the
first tender. Just inside the cruise ship terminal, we recognized two former
Holland America Employees Aaltje and Rob who we sailed with on the 2015 World
Cruise...Aaltje is now living on the Isle of Lewis...her fiancé Rob gave us a
quick overview of the island. Our prearranged tour was cancelled at the last
minute...in the Cruise Terminal, Eddie, a Stornoway Cruise Ambassador kindly arranged
a taxi guide for us...our driver Donnie picked us up and off we went on an Isle
of Lewis adventure. The Isle of Lewis is known for its rich history, rugged
beauty, varied scenery from fjord like lochs and dramatic sea cliffs to barren
peat moors. We crossed the typical peat moors of central Lewis before heading
toward the stunning west coast and the village of Callanish, site of the
Callanish Standing Stones. This Neolithic standing stone complex is among the
oldest and most significant in the UK, the island's most dramatic prehistoric
ruins dates from 1500 BC. Next, we continued along the beautiful Atlantic
coastal road and stopped at Carloway, with a scattering of island croft houses.
We made a stop at the Carloway Doune Broch fortified stone tower, built around
100 BC for defensive purposes. It is the best-preserved broch in the Hebrides.
I climbed up to the top for great views of the ocean and countryside. Next, we
visited Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, and toured a Blackhouse, which consisted
of a byre (cowshed), barn and home under one roof. The peat fire was burning,
transporting us to a time when it was the primary source of fuel...their
shortbread cookies were delicious. Travelling northwest along the Atlantic
Ocean we came upon Arnol, another Blackhouse village and made a quick stop at the
Whalebone Arch, a preserved whale jawbone that floated in from the Atlantic in
the early 1900’s. We made our way to the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse, the most
northerly point of Lewis island with its magnificent cliffs and abundance of
bird life including Gannets, Arctic Terns and Shags. By the way, the Butt of
Lewis has also been noted as the windiest place in the UK and today was no
exception. Turning inland, we crossed the bleak, open moorland before reaching
Stornoway. We had Donnie drop us at the Lews Castle and Museum. From the castle
we walked downhill along the water and stopped in town at the shops before
returning to the ship...another great day in Scotland through sun, wind, rain
and sleet. I find the island a beautiful place, with colorful landscapes and wonderful people.... In my travels, I have visited many Cruise Terminals worldwide and
must tell you that we were very impressed...Stornoway had by far the
friendliest, most accommodating and kindest people we have ever come
across....well done Scotland! Looking forward to a return visit to Scotland in July.
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