Lews Castle occupies a commanding position overlooking Stornoway and forms a spectacular backdrop to the annual Hebridean Celtic Festival, a 4-day international music event held in July.  Built as a mansion for Sir James Matheson in the mid 19th century, it was also owned by Lord Leverhulme, who gifted it to the local community in 1923.  From the early 1950's until 1989 the Castle served as a Technical College and school.

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Comhairle nan Eilean and its partners propose to regenerate the vacant Category A listed building through a mixed-use development comprising a museum and hospitality facilities.  Funding is being sought from a range of heritage and development sources and a tendering process is underway to identify a private sector operator for the hospitality areas. See news section. 

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