Zuiderdam MegaVoyage 2-18-2019, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, Part 2 of 2

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 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. 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 in July.