The Lairds of the Isles

Lews Castle has many tales to tell about the history of Lewis.  The site has been closely associated with the proprietors ('lairds') of the island since the 17th century.  The story of the Castle spans the Mackenzies of Seaforth (1610-1844), the Mathesons (1844-1918) and the brief but dramatic years of Lord Leverhulme (1918-1923).

The Mackenzies of Kintail aquired ownership of Lewis in 1610 with the consent of James VI.  By the 1680's Lord Seaforth had established his island residence (Seaforth Lodge) on the Gearraidh Chruaidh, an area of rough sheiling ground on the west side of Stornoway harbour.

Parts of the Seaforth Lodge were retained in the transformation of this relatively modest house into Sir James Matheson's 'castle'.

The last Earl of Seaforth died in 1815 and the Lewis estate was sold in 1844.