Is There Much Of Archaeological And Architectural Interest In The Western Isles?

Yes. There are many archaeological and historic sites that appeal to both to the layperson and to the specialist. Prehistoric forts, wheel houses, chambered cairns and monoliths are just some of the archaeological remains, while fortified keeps, churches and ecclesiastical ruins number among the historic attractions.

There are around 40 prehistoric monuments listed in the Western Isles. Some are of national importance, including the Callanish Standing Stones, the Doune Carloway Broch, the Stein a cleit chambered cairn and stone circle at Shader, and St Clements Church in Rodel, Harris.
However, the natural environment of the Western Isles has had a major hand in shaping the built environment. Because of the lack of trees and building materials there are relatively few pre-1900 buildings in the Western Isles, particularly outside the main town of Stornoway. In the past, it was common to re-use materials, especially timber, from abandoned or derelict buildings.

Within Stornoway there are some surviving commercial, ecclesiastical and domestic buildings dating back to the 18th Century. Overall, there are over 150 listed buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

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