Stornoway Historical Society

07/12/2025

Interesting new book about Highland factors during the period of the Clearances and land agitation movement of the 19th century.
Local launch of 'In the Shadow of the Laird by Judith Ross Napier' at Stornoway Public Library this coming Tuesday 9th December at 6pm. This publication is available from Acair Books

We had a very successful launch for In the Shadow of the Laird: Highland factors before and after Patrick Sellar, by Judith Ross Napier, in Inverness last night. We are also holding an event in Stornoway Library Western Isles Libraries on Tuesday 9th December at 6pm. Do come along!

The book is available to buy here: https://acairbooks.com/books/in-the-shadow-of-the-laird/ and has been described as "a fascinating account of the work of the factors, some of whom were, quite rightly, despised and hated at certain times in our history".

06/12/2025

Christmas is coming! We have a fine selection of publications available to purchase from local bookshops and our website at www.stornowayhistoricalsociety.org.uk/publications
Please note that our books are not currently available from Waterstones as the ad says.

30/11/2025

A Galson Motor Services bus on North Beach Quay c 1968.

A service bus, operated by Galson Motor Services, at in November 1968. It had just arrived from Port of Ness

[photo: John Sinclair]

28/11/2025

The third in our winter series of lectures for 2025/26 will be held on Monday 2nd February 2026 at 7pm in the Council Chambers, Sandwick Road. Mr Iain Macleod will be talking on the topic of ‘The Refurbishment of Lews Castle’. Iain was involved with the project whilst working for the Comhairle. This should be of interest to many. Further details to come.

24/11/2025

The second of our winter public lectures is TONIGHT, Monday 24th November at 7pm in the Council Chambers, Sandwick Road. Malcolm Macdonald will be speaking about 'Buildings of Stornoway - Past & Present' Doors open at 6.30pm. Donations taken at the door. All welcome.

22/11/2025

A reminder that our next public lecture is this coming Monday (24th November) at 7.00pm. See poster for details.

21/11/2025

The Society has acquired copies of seven short archive films in colour from the early 1960's. These came from the collection of the late Ian Mitchell of Mitchells Garage. These films show scenes from the 1963 and 64 Lewis Carnivals, MV Hebrides at Tarbert, A Journey to Uig etc. They are now available to view on our YouTube channel at: youtube.com/

20/11/2025

Appeal for Information – Angus MacLeod, Isle of Lewis to Manitoba, Canada

The Stornoway Historical Society has received an enquiry from descendants in Manitoba, Canada, who are seeking to learn more about their ancestor Angus MacLeod, believed to have been born in Laxdale, Isle of Lewis, in the 1850s, before travelling to Canada with the Hudson’s Bay Company.

What we know so far:

Angus MacLeod was likely born in Laxdale in the 1850s.

He later travelled to Canada with the HBC and settled in Kinosota, Manitoba (sometimes described as Dauphin or Westbourne depending on the source).

He married Mary Ducharme around 1871 in Manitoba.

Angus died in the same Manitoba region around 1917–1918.

His Canadian descendants know much about his life after arriving in Canada, but are eager to discover his family origins in Lewis.

As many will know, Angus MacLeod is a very common Lewis name, and without additional detail it has been difficult to trace his family.

If anyone has information, family stories, or records relating to an Angus MacLeod from Laxdale who may have gone to Canada with the Hudson’s Bay Company in the mid-19th century, we would be very grateful to hear from you.

Please comment below or message the page privately.

19/11/2025

The second public lecture of our winter season will be held on Monday 24th November at 7pm in the Council Chambers, Sandwick Road. Our speaker will Malcolm Macdonald and he will talking about 'Buildings of Stornoway - Past & Present'. Doors open at 6.30pm and entry is by donation. All welcome.

10/11/2025

Photos of Sunday's Remembrance Sunday events at the Lewis War Memorial from Hebrides News

Photos: Wreaths laid at Stornoway R remembrance Sunday event Lewis War Memorial

09/11/2025

On a damp Remembrance Sunday morning we remember them.