Historical places to visit

On the exposed Atlantic coast of the Isle of Lewis the blackhouse village of Gearrannan lies steeped in history and sited in an environment of outstanding natural beauty. The  restored Blackhouse Village caters for a wide variety of visitors. Groups and individuals have the opportunity to experience traditional rural activities, learn about the rich history of the area, work, relax and socialise in a unique atmosphere.   Come and visit the village and learn how the people of the past lived, in one of the finest renovated villages of its type.  Coffee shop and facilities.  Click here for a panorama in 360 degrees VR (takes about 20 seconds to load)  (more about blackhouses, click here)  More about Blackhouses

This centre is a must to visit if you are interested in good quality local information about the past.  The centre contains an impressive archive of documents, genealogical records, photographs, video and audio recordings.  In 1977 a small group of local history enthusiasts laid the groundwork for what would become Comunn Eachdraidh Nis (Ness Historical Society) and provide the catalyst for what would later develop into the wider Comunn Eachdraidh movement in the Western Isles.  Come in and have a look around, or just have refreshment in the cafe.

The 6 metre high Standing Stone lies just off the A857 and about 4 km north east of Upper Barvas (see history map position letter T) Largest single standing stone in Scotland.  The stone is maintained by Historic Scotland (no entry charge to area)

(more about the stone, click here)  Robert Pollock's guide.

Carloway broch is located above Loch an Duin on a rocky knoll in a good defensive position.  A Broch is an Iron Age structure designed to impress and defend, and were probably the homes of tribal leaders and important members of the community.  They are built with two concentric walls of stone, with a stairway or gallery within the walls to the upper floors.  The Broch at Carloway is one of the best preserved in the Hebrides and dates back over 2000 years.  It is approximately 9 metres high and 15 metres in diameter.  A Broch is a very resilient structure and was often used for defence.  Visitor Centre is open in summer. 
Location: 1.5 miles south of Carloway, about 16miles north-west of Stornoway, Lewis on the A858.

A short walk from the main A858 near Shawbost next to Loch Roinavat is a  renovated pair of thatched buildings used in past times to process  barley grain into meal.  The buildings give a very rare glimpse into the Scandinavian past of Lewis. The mill was powered by water from the stream from the nearby Loch Roinavat.

Callanish Standing Stones is one of the most significant and important megalithic complexes in Europe.  The most impressive set of stones is called Callanish 1 and the circle can be seen clearly from the main road (A858)It consists of rows of large pieces of Lewisian gneiss arranged in a cross shape.   At the centre of the cross is a monolith and a small chambered cairn.  Two other significant stone circles are in the same area (Callanish 2 and 3) visitor's centre/coffee shop' Click here for more detail.

Isle of Great Bernera is a small island connected to Lewis by a bridge on the B8059. At Bosta in the north west, the island has a wonderful beach, and an 'Iron Age' village. One of the Iron Age houses has been superbly rebuilt, and entry is available during the summer. The island also has its own museum and cafe at Breacleit, situated within the community centre. The island has many antiquities including standing stones, duns and a restored Norse Mill.