Sitting on beautifully sculpted grounds just above the town of Stornoway is the grand estate of Lews Castle. Originally built in the victorian era for the Scottish merchant Sir James Matheson, Lews Castle today provides a public space for walking through history. A stroll around the manicured gardens with views over the bay coupled with a visit to the exceptional museum make for a grand day out. Lews Castle also offers accommodations for those who wish to experience a touch of luxury.

The museum is a particular highlight as it blends perfectly the stories of the island’s people and environment to create an experience of the culture that Harris and Lewis are famed for. With exhibitions on industry, trade, nature and the island way of life it really is a comprehensive summary of these unique islands.

The most famous artefacts on display are surely the Lewis Chess Men – a set of beautifully carved chess pieces, most likely of Norwegian origin circa the 12th century. Attracting visitors from across the world, the Lewis Chess Men are an incredible example of medieval sculpture which offer a touch of humour and recreation not often affiliated with that era. They are in remarkably good condition and are among some of the most precious artefacts found in Scotland.

The museum also exhibits valuable accounts and details of the Highland Clearances – a turbulent period in Scottish history when between 70,000-150,000 Highlanders and Islanders were removed from their lands to make way for farming and other industries. Harris and Lewis had their own particular struggles during this period and the Less Castle museum does a wonderful job of summarising these events with compassionate detail.