Stornoway
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Contents
World Factbook Entry
Best Place in The World to Live - Please Feel Free to Visit, or Better Still, Come and Stay.
Based on the True Stornoway
The following is taken from Wikipedia.org. Read more about Stornoway in Wikipedia. [2]
Stornoway (Steòrnabhagh in Scottish Gaelic) is a burgh on Lewis (Leòdhas), in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, with a population of approximately 5,600 people in the town itself, out of a total population of 26,370 for the whole of the Western Isles. It is the major town and administrative centre of the Outer Hebrides and is home to Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (the Western Isles Council).
Stornoway was originally a Viking settlement and developed around its well sheltered natural harbour. Reflecting this, the name Stornoway itself is derived from 'Sjornavagr', an Old Norse word for 'steering bay'. Medieval development of the town was spurred by the construction of the original castle in the High Middle Ages by the Nicolson (or MacNicol) family, themselves of Viking descent. Infighting between rival clans continued throughout the Late Middle Ages and resisted an attempt by the then King of Scotland James VI to colonise Lewis in 1597.
Stornoway, and the Western Isles as a whole, is known throughout Scotland for its adherence to the Sabbath (Christian observance - on Sundays). While some believe this to be simply a lack of amenities and facilities for locals and tourists, others believe it to be a vital aspect of island life, a link to tradition and an alternative to the more active lifestyle prevalent on the mainland. As Stornoway, with the majority of the island's services, shops and businesses, undergoes the most visible change on a Sunday it is often seen as a focal point for the whole issue.
Notable buildings in Stornoway include Stornoway Town Hall and the neo-gothic Lews Castle. It is also home to a new arts centre, an Lanntair, containing an art gallery, auditorium for film showings, music and other performances, a restaurant and bar. Other attractions include a museum and the Lewis Loom Centre.
Stornoway Tidbits
Stornoway became immortalised in the song ‘Lovely Stornoway’ by Calum Kennedy and Bob Halfin.
Stornoway’s own Charlie Barley and his Black Pudding recipe is famous throughout the world for its exceptional flavour and its undisclosed recipe.
RAF Stornoway is featured in the Tom Clancy novel Red Storm Rising as a base for Allied air operations over the North Atlantic and against Soviet-held Iceland.
Links
- http://s6.invisionfree.com/Stornoway_IOL
- http://www.funtrivia.com/private/main.cfm?tid=25068
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stornoway
