Fri June 6, 2025
Hi All! We are docked in Stornoway today which is still in Scotland! Stornoway, is a town on the island of Lewis (and Harris), that is part of what’s called the Outer Hebrides islands. It lies to the northwest of mainland Scotland. The town has a population of about 7,000 (not including sheep, or cruise ship passengers!) and was founded by Vikings in the early 9th century.
There is a special product that can only come from this island called “Harris Tweed”. It has its own trademark that states “it’s a tweed cloth that is handwoven by islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, finished in the Outer Hebrides, and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides”. So that’s why it’s so expensive??!!
Like yesterday we had an excursion that didn’t start until early afternoon so we got off the boat in the morning and walked around town. The town was a little ways from the port so the town offered a free shuttle which we gladly took advantage of. After walking around town and doing a little shopping we got the shuttle back to the port and boarded the bus for our excursion.
Our excursion was called “The Lewis Lighthouse & Northern Beaches Scenic Drive”. It started with a panoramic drive across the moorland heading to the north of Lewis, where lochs (lakes) and rivers dominate the landscape. We drove past many sheep, cows and quaint little villages. We got to see the Black Sheep of the Hebrides that have horns! We then drove to the port of Ness and walked around and did some more shopping (those grandkids are spoiled! Lol). It even had a nice beach but no swimming today!
We then made it to our final stop which was the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse (love the name!), which is the northernmost point of the island. They said the rocks here are 3.5 billion years old!
This area is in the Guinness Book of Records for being the windiest place in the UK!! And we thought yesterday was windy! This trip is living up to its “Wild” name! And like yesterday, this lighthouse area was surrounded by giant cliffs, spectacular views and lots of nesting birds.
We then drove back to the ship and got ready for dinner. I’ll do another update tonight. TGIF to all!
The Wandering Italian 