Stornoway

[anteros_lmc]

I only managed to get out of the house once last week while I was on Lewis so unfortunately I have no pictures of glorious Hebridean beaches for you, so here's some picspam of Stornoway instead.

Sailing past Arnish Point	Sunset over Gallows Hill (at nine o'clock at night!)
Lews Castle, built in 1847 by Sir James Matheson who made his millions on the back of the opium trade	Fishing nets on the pier
Acair Gaelic publishers	The herring lassies followed the fishing fleets around the UK in the early 20th century to gut and pack the fish. It was incredibly tough work but the women spoke of a real sense of freedom and camaraderie. There are now statues commemorating their work all around the harbour in Stornoway.
An Sulaire, a traditional sgoth Nisseach	Clinker built
Harbour buoy	Someone needs to mow that inflatable!

Stornoway has one of the finest collections of Victorian municipal ironwork in Scotland (pay attention, no dozing off at the back there!) Railings like these were once common in towns and cities across the UK but most were scrapped during the Second World War. However the cost of shipping iron from the Outer Hebrides was prohibitive so the railings were left in place. Some of these railings were produced by the Carron Company, who made my bath carronades in the 18th and 19th century and many are now subject to historic buildings preservation orders.

	I wanted to live in this house when I was a kid. Look! It has a proper stone balcony.

Of course this is what Stornoway is really famous for: churches. There is a bewildering number and variety of them: The Free Church, the Free Presbyterian Church, the Associated Presbyterian Church, the Free Church Continuing, the Church of Scotland, the High Church, the Episcopalian Church, the Catholic Church, the New Wine Church, to say nothing of the formidable and influential Lord’s Day Observance Society. What the difference is between them all reamins a mystery to me!

Comments

[eglantine-br.livejournal.com]

So beautiful.

You know that already, of course. The shots of the harbor are very evocative for me. The fishing port on the Vineyard is not as active as it used to be, but if you want to do an image search on Menemsha you may see what I mean.

Glad the iron was not all melted down. The iron fences are really special. I especially like the green gate looking one.

I have been hoping to write today, but brain is empty. I did bring post-surgical dog home from the vet. She is feeling really tragically sorry for herself. Maybe I can write tonight.

[nodbear.livejournal.com]

thinking of you and poor Hazel - its so sad when one can't explain to them why they have to feel so rotten- though probably she will soon bounce back. Hope so.

As for writing - I wish = its gettting more behindhand by the minute here - but anything from the Eglantine pen worth waiting for as ever

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Gosh I see what you mean about Menemsha, it definitely looks familiar. I wonder if I would feel at home there?!

I'm glad you liked the ironwork, I think it's beautiful. I had no idea it was so rare until recently when Historic Scotland published a beautifully illustrated survey. There are also more lovely photographs on this blog.

My sympathies to your poor dog. Poor girl, how is she now? Less tragic I hope? Sympathies also for your empty brain. Perhaps the boys are resting ;)

[nodbear.livejournal.com]

Lovely - makes me sad in a way having grown up in a working port and with twenty plus generations of ancestors who worked at sea and in inshore waters and I have spent my whole adult life inland = I sometimes feel a traitor !

Thanks for these though - also sorry you did not get out very much = hope you will be able to make up for that soon on holiday proper !

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

I have spent my whole adult life inland = I sometimes feel a traitor
Ah I don't think that's true at all. Your heart is at sea on a dear razee with fine red headed captain :)

[charliecochrane.livejournal.com]

Just beauitiful. I love the look of that house, too!

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

I have dreamed about living in that house ever since I can remember. It's called Wandene and it has always looked just like that. You can't see them in the picture but underneath the balcony on either side there are water spouts in the shape of animal heads.

[mylodon.livejournal.com]

*grabby hands* I want that house so much.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Paws off! I saw it first! Here's the google earth link :)

[katriona-s.livejournal.com]

How wonderful pictures...(sigh)
I'm sorry for you seemed have rather tough days there, but these photos... how impressive...
Thank you very much for sharing these.

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you like the pictures. If they make you smile then that makes a difficult trip all the more worth while :)

[anteros-lmc.livejournal.com]

Thank you :)