| Location | 58° 12’ N 006° 23’ W | Anchorage Position | 58° 11.9’ N 006° 21.91’ W (position dependent on conditions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Berths | 3 | Distance to Landing Stage | 0.8 NM |
| Berth details | Berth West No.1 Pier, Max L.O.A. 140m. Depth: 7.5m – 5.0m Berth East No.1 Pier, Max L.O.A. 100m. Depth: 7.5m – 4.5m Berth East No.3 Pier, Max L.O.A. 150m. Depth: 6.5m – 6.0m | Tidal range/movement | 2.0m – 5.0m |
| Town centre | 0.5 km | Shuttle to town | Not necessary |
| Anchorage | Yes | Nearest airport | Stornoway |
The beautiful natural Harbour at Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides has been recognised as a haven for nearly a thousand years. With the stunning grounds of the Lews Castle as a backdrop, the magnificent scenery of the Outer Hebrides is evident on first arrival into Stornoway, the only town on the archipelago.
The town is the commerce centre of the islands and the main seaport of the Isle of Lewis, providing a vital link between mainland Britain and the Outer Hebrides.
Stornoway offers visitors a unique insight into the Outer Hebrides through a hybrid of contemporary culture and the fascinating traditional heritage of the isles – passed down through generations of Gaels, Celts and Vikings. The Outer Hebrides are one of the few remaining strongholds of the Gaelic language, as evident through the traditional music of the isles and the frequent use of the language by locals. The language even features on street signs around the Hebridean islands.
Named as one of the top 100 travel experiences in the world by Wanderlust travel magazine, the Outer Hebrides provide a vast array of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities – from exploring the abandoned island of St Kilda to roaming the white sands and surfing in the sparkling turquoise seas that surround the islands.
The Port of Stornoway is the gateway to an island steeped in history. The Standing Stones of Callanish and the Broch at Carloway are recognised among Europe’s most famous ancient monuments. Traditionally constructed Black Houses and Norse Mills are situated within easy reach of the Port.
The primary cruise liner facility is at Number 3 Pier, capable of taking vessels up to 150 metres length with maximum draft 6.0 metres. Reception facilities are readily available in the main Ferry Terminal adjacent to this berth. Smaller vessels may be accommodated at the Number 1 Pier although there are limited facilities at this berth. A cruise liner tender landing pontoon is available by the Ferry Terminal at number 3 pier.
Stornoway Airport is located 4km from the Port, linking the island by Air with Glasgow, Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.
Kirsty Hutchison, Business Services Manager
Stornoway Port Authority, Amity House, Esplanade Quay, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland, HS1 2XS
T: +44 (0)1851 702688
E: kirsty.hutchison@stornowayport.com
W: stornowayportauthority.com
Image Credit: Kenny Lam
It should be noted that these details are not definitive but are intended to demonstrate the range of excursions and activities available to cruise passengers visiting Stornoway as part of a cruise. Please note that, in many cases and with prior arrangement, half day tours can be combined to create full day itineraries
Shore excursions are normally pre-booked onboard via the cruise line concerned. Cruise Scotland cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of this information and all details and tour descriptions should be checked with the cruise line concerned.
Head south west from the bustling Port of Stornoway with views of the castle and war memorial. There are wide sweeping vistas of the Lewis peat lands towards the distant hills of Harris. Visit the Callanish Standing Stones, older than Stonehenge dating approx 2500 BC. Take refreshments before heading west to the Broch at Dun Carloway, a near complete example in a spectacular location over looking East Loch Roag. Take in the restored Blackhouse Village at Gearrannan with weaving demonstrations, museum and café. Return to Stornoway via the Whale Bone Arch with stunning views of Ben Bragar and across the Minch to the Torridon mountains.
The northern peat lands of Lewis appear like a lifeless desert but closer inspection reveals jewels of rare flora and fauna including sundew and yellow bumble bees. As we head north watch out for golden eagle and red deer before we arrive at Borve Pottery. Alex and Sue Blair produce a unique hand-thrown selection of pots in stoneware or porcelain in a beautiful riverside garden setting. Next stop is the Heritage Centre where there is an extensive collection of local and historical artefacts and a chance for refreshments before heading to the most north westerly point in the UK. Spectacular cliffs, crashing Atlantic waves and seabirds create a memorable atmosphere but don't stand too near the edge! Visit the restored teampull at St Moluag's dating from the 14th century and Port of Ness harbour with its beautiful beach and Harbour View Gallery before returning to Stornoway.
This tour takes us towards the south west remote region of Uig, with big views and big skies. We pass salmon rivers and views of East Loch Roag before we arrive at the ‘bridge over the Atlantic'. This bridge was built in 1953 and has helped keep alive the small fishing community of Great Bernera. At Breaclete there is an exhibition of local history and tea room in the village hall. Continue along winding roads to the pure white sands of Bosta Beach and the replica Iron Age House which is open June - August. The tour returns to the road junction at Garynahine and turns left with views of stone circles to the left. We finish at Callanish to visit the award winning visitor centre, cafe and world famous Standing Stones before returning to Stornoway.
We head south through Balallan, the longest village in Scotland, with views of Loch Seaforth and Seaforth Island before reaching the spectacular mountain scenery of North Harris and the highest point in The Outer Hebrides, the Clisham at 799m. As we descend from the mountains we get our first views of West Loch Tarbert and The Isle of Taransay made famous in the BBC programme Castaway 2000. We visit Tarbert with its tweed shops and harbour before heading west along the spectacular beaches of Luskentyre. We continue to the Seallam Visitor Centre, with arts and crafts and genealogy centre before stopping for refreshments in Leverburgh where the ferry continues to North Uist. We continue to Rodel and visit the historic 16th century St Clements Church. Sit back and enjoy the views as we retrace our journey back to Stornoway.
From Stornoway our tour heads through loch scenery through small townships to Balallan the longest village in Scotland with views of Loch Erisort. We then enter the Pairc area of South Lochs an excellent area for spotting Golden Eagles. Shortly we stop off at the Ravenspoint Visitor Centre where there is a tea room and a fascinating museum of local history and the Angus Macleod archive. We then travel south towards the mountains of Harris to stop at the Loch Aline Forest where there is a board walk which takes you loch side to enjoy the tranquillity and wildlife of the area. From here we travel back north and west to the famous Callanish Stones where there is a well stocked shop, exhibition and tea room. There is time to enjoy the views before returning back to Stornoway.
From Stornoway we head towards the Eye Peninsula where we stop at the Iolaire Memorial in Holm. This was the scene of one of the worst maritime disasters in British History and had a tragic effect on the island community. We then travel back in time as we visit the ruin of St Columba's Church on the narrow isthmus joining the peninsula to the Isle of Lewis. This is a good location for seeing seabirds such as gannets and also black throated diver. Heading back to Stornoway we visit the Castle Grounds and Lews Castle where there is a tea room at the Woodlands Centre. We then pass through the scenic villages of Coll and Gress, where there is a memorial cairn commemorating the local land raiders. There are views of Broadbay before arriving at the spectacular beaches of Garry and Traigh Mhor at Tolsta. Enjoy the pristine sands and clear waters before our journey back to Stornoway.