Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean - Isle of Lewis

D F.

The Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean in Stornoway features background and history of the culture of the Outer Hebrides. It also features artefacts dating from prehistory to the present day, and a public archive. It is situated in the grounds of Lews Castle, in a building inspired by the former glasshouses. The museum introduces life in the Outer Hebrides from prehistory to the present including archaeological finds on loan from National Museum Scotland. The gift shop has a small range of individual replicas of the Lewis Chessman available for purchase.

Kate B.

I do really loved the place. So much to get to know about people themselves (Islanders). Eeach person = one story. If you have some time to spare, definitely worth going there. Btw no need to follow google maps route to the roundabout when walking, there is a direct shortcut with signs straight to the castle museum few meters before.

hanneke

Very interesting to visit, very friendly volunteers, i especially did like the room where you can see the island trough the seasons, mòran taing, thig mi air ais gu cinnteach.

Scott M.

Great museum, staff super friendly and helpful. Entry by donation (paid £10 for a family of 4) worth the money, kids enjoyed it and had a few activities to do which helped keep them busy. Would recommend for a visit if you are in Stornoway.

Bruce L.

NB this is a review of the grounds as we did not visit the museum. There are many lovely walks in the castle grounds affording good views of the harbour and town, and of the castle. Statues like the Gruffalo help to make it kid friendly too. Just a great place for a peaceful walk.

Tom D.

We paid the suggested £5 per person donation and found Museum & Tasglann nan Eilean to be a decent way to spend 20–30 minutes in Stornoway. The experience opens with a calming 10-minute, 3-wall projected timelapse of the Outer Hebrides – easily the highlight, very atmospheric and a great way to ease into the space.

The rest of the museum covers general local history, with a mix of artefacts and information panels. It’s well presented and gives a good overview of the area’s heritage, but nothing particularly unexpected. Personally, I’d have liked to see something on the history of the castle itself, given the setting – felt like a missed opportunity.

Overall, worth popping into if you’re nearby. A relaxing, informative little stop that’s easy to fit into your day.

Tim F.

Fairly small but very well presented museum with lots of multimedia exhibits telling the fascinating story of island life, the highlight being some of the famous Lewis chessmen.

Entry is free and includes access to the downstairs rooms of the adjacent Lews Castle. There’s also a cafe. Staff are super friendly and welcoming.

If you have time, the castle grounds make for a lovely walk - climb up to Gallows Hill for some nice views over the water to Stornoway town and port.

Leon R.

A wonderful, quiet and insightful muesum focusing on the way of life of Gaelic people in the Isle of Lewis.

It focuses mostly on the people themselves, and their way of life during a transitionary period in history. It was insightful, but I personally found the lack of coverage on historical events and other time periods a bit lacking.

If you are, however, interested in the Gaelic way of life and language then this is the best place in Stornoway for it!