A SINGER and songwriter from Paisley – who has connections with Lewis – has written a new song about the 'Iolaire' that can be downloaded online.
Twenty-four-year-old Alan McKim wrote the song, 'Stornoway', following a visit to the island in the spring.

He explains: "I loved the trip so much that once I returned home I began researching the history of the Isle of Lewis. The story of the 'Iolaire' truly moved me as I read about the horrific events which unfolded that night, so much so that I wanted to pay tribute to those who lost their lives by writing a song about it.

for more information cut and paste this link into your browser http://www.stornowaygazette.co.uk/features/Alan-truly-moved-by-the.5946193.jp

an except from an article about the 2009 'staycation' phenomena in the UK

"We are obsessed with moaning about the weather. In the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides, it rained, the sun shone, it rained again, the wind blew, and it was bloody fantastic. Harris, its next-door neighbour, would just be bloody weird if the weather didn't change a bit. They're as exotic and welcoming as anywhere in the world, cheap and hugely enjoyable. In the south of France I was asked where I got my (slight) suntan. It was the west coast of Lewis actually".

Some of the Lewis Chessmen may not have been chessmen at all according to new research.

The 12th and 13th century gaming pieces which were discovered in Uig on the Isle of Lewis in 1831 are considered to be Scotland’s most renowned archaeological find.

The paper by David Caldwell, Mark Hall and Caroline Wilkinson suggests a number of the 93 ivory pieces may have been used in a game called hnefatafl – an ancient Viking board game that pre-dates chess.

Hnefatafl is similar to chess in that it involves protecting a king from opponent pieces.

The research also disputes the theory that the pieces belonged to a merchant and were left behind on the island.

Instead the research suggests the set was more likely to be the prized possession of a local prince, nobleman or senior churchman.

Cut and paste link for full story http://news.stv.tv/scotland/highlands-islands/136189-lewis-chessmen-may-have-been-from-different-game/

Our winter breaks in Jan -March 2010 start at discounted rates -

£78 for one night

£150 for 2 nights and just

£219 for 3 nights in a 2 person apartment.

Choose from 4 star accommodation in Portree, Isle of Skye or accommodation in Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

We have Spring Summer and Autumn breaks available please phone for prices on 01851 701 611

Alternatively, we can supply a gift voucher of any value to use at any time towards any break and it can be used in full or towards a break of a higher value for a spring, Easter or summer break, - why not even buy them a Xmas or Hogmanay break for 2010/2011?

Xmas & New Year breaks, Hogmany in the Hebrides!With enquiries already starting to come in now is the time to book your Hogmanay break on Skye or Lewis.

Scotland has long been the place to celebrate Hogmanay. Why not come to the Hebrides for a romantic Christmas or New Year break for 2.
Come with friends and stay in our Quayside apt which sleeps up to six.

Breaks for 2 people @ Storr Lochs 3 nights £390
Breaks for 2 people @ Storr Lochs 7 nights £890

Breaks for 2 people @ Stornoway 3 nights £390
Breaks for 2 people @ Stornoway 7 nights £899

Breaks for 6 people @ Portree 3 nights £899
Breaks for 6 people @ Portree 7 nights £1499

Stay for a minimum of one week and get a free luxury Christmas hamper with Champagne or Whisky

Sunday sailings & half price ferries to Lewis

Sunday ferries are now on the timetable. Getting to and from Lewis has become a whole lot easier because of this.

Not only are there now ferries 7 days a week with the new subsidised costs they are now around half the price they were last year.

Remember there is also an airport in Stornoway (open 7 days a week) and is just 10mins away from the apartment (by car)

Martin Clunes - Islands of Great Britain Following on from Monty Halls great escapes, Martin Clunes is visiting the Islands of Great Britain including the Hebrides and the callanish stomes in a new series set to start on ITV in early May.

In the three-part series the actor explores hidden Britain – the stunning, wild, curious and culturally diverse islands around our coast, and listens to the fascinating stories of what life is like away from the mainland from the people who live there.

Martin says: “I have always been fascinated by life on remote islands, and wanted to know what it is like to live there, and how the islanders cope with the isolation.