Lews Castle Grounds
Originally laid out in the 1850’s by Sir James Matheson the Grounds have been in community ownership since 1923 and serve as a key recreation area for the town of Stornoway. Under the stewardship of the Stornoway Trust the Grounds have changed and grown over the past years, most recently by the restoration of the private gardens at the centre of the Grounds, funded by the Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.
The Castle Grounds are an outstanding example of a mid to late Victorian ornamental and estate landscape. Unique in the Outer Hebrides, and a complete contrast to the flat openness of the surrounding landscape; the heather clad moorlands and the traditional crofting land, the wider grounds stretch around the southern and western shores of the harbour and bay, covering an area of some 283 hectares.
The Grounds are widely used by a variety of local groups, as well as individuals from all over the island. For visitors to the island it is a first, welcoming sight as you enter Stornoway Harbour and place to explore.
In addition to art and environmental workshops organised by the Trust there are regular community activities, including cross country races for adults and children, a Women’s Cancer 10k, music events such as the HebCelt Festival. There is a slipway to the harbour which is used for children’s activities and by clubs such as the kayak club and local rowers, whilst the wider Grounds have many excellent cycle paths suitable for all skill levels.
Park Facilities
Award Winner