Lewis. Coordinates: Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas, pronounced [ʎɔː.əs̪], also Isle of Lewis) is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides (an archipelago) of Scotland. The total area of Lewis is 683 square miles (1,770 km2).[1] Lewis is, in general, the lower lying part of Lewis and Harris, with the other part, Harris, being more mountainous. The flatter, more fertile land means Lewis contains the largest settlement, Stornoway, and three-quarters of the population of the Western Isles. Lewis is of Presbyterian tradition with a rich history, having once been part of the Norse Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. Name[edit] The Gaelic name Leòdhas may be derived from Norse Ljoðahús ("song house"),[2] although other origins have been suggested – most notably the Gaelic leogach ("marshy").[3] It is probably the place referred to as Limnu by Ptolemy, which also means "marshy".[4] It is also known as the "Isle of Lewis" (Gaelic: Eilean Leòdhais).
History of the Isle of Lewis. The story of the Isle of Lewis is steeped in both history and mystery. Man has inhabited Leodhas, meaning marshy, for probably 5000 years. The Standing Stones and Stone Circles bear witness to this early occupation, as do the Iron Age forts and archaeological sites scattered around the Island. Brochs, hill forts and the evidence of the Iron Age that we see today, were constructed from about 250 B.C. to 500 A.D., and mainly on the coastal fringes. We now observe Lewis with large areas of peat land and bog.
However, this was not always the case. Before and after the re-population of the Hebrides, the Celtic peoples were the predominant social group, with roots back into central Europe. Throughout the years from the late 500′s Christianity made its presence felt throughout the Western Isles, mainly through the work of the Monks of St Columba. Towards the end of the 800′s the relative stability of the Island was rudely awakened by summer visitors from Scandinavia. Lewis. Lewis is the largest and most northern island in the Outer Hebrides, home to one of the best prehistoric sites in Scotland, and some fabulous beaches. The main hub on Lewis is Stornoway, by far the largest settlement on the Outer Hebrides. There are also lots of crafting and fishing villages along the north west coast. Archaeology buffs will make a beeline to see the famous standing stones at Callanais, a fascinating group of nearly 50 megaliths dating from around 3000 BC.
The Arnol Blackhouse is a preserved example of the many blackhouses that lie deserted on the island. The west coast has brilliant beaches, while much of the island is made up of peat bog, the favoured habitat of a variety of rare breeding birds. Butt of Lewis, the far northerly tip of the island, is home to many seabirds, and is an excellent spot for watching whales, dolphins and porpoises. Stornoway Isle of lewis Outer Hebrides. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Isle of Lewis. Visit Hebrides | Accommodation and Information on the Outer Hebrides also known as the Western Isles of Scotland.
Things to do in Isle of Lewis – 12 Isle of Lewis Attractions. Home Callanish Visitor Centre. Isle of Lewis - Home. Point Online - Point, Isle of Lewis. Hebrides. Lewis • Panoramas of Scotland. The Isle Of Lewis Chess Pieces. The Lewis Chessmen. Lewis. Isle of Lewis walks. Lewis is the largest of the Outer Hebrides, and its capital Stornoway is by far the largest centre of population. The northern half of the island is flat, bleak peat bogs but fringed by some fine coastal scenery and magnificent beaches, making for some excellent walking around the fringe.
Here too are visitor attractions such as the celebrated standing stones of Callanish and the reconstructed blackhouse village at An Gearrannan. The southern half of the island is much more dramatic with remote hill ranges around Uig and the Pairc peninsula. Though the hills are not high, they are extremely rugged and remote and reward their relatively few visitors with remarkable views.
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