In 2015 Stornoway Port celebrated its 150th anniversary and islanders and visitors had the opportunity to join in the celebrations of the historical and cultural roots of the port, which go back well beyond its constitutional formation in 1865.
Since 2017, the Stornoway Port Authority have been working extensively on developing the major projects included within our Port Masterplan, a plan which set out the framework for the physical development of the Stornoway Port for the next 20 years.
Newton Marina, the first project to be completed from the Masterplan has provided an additional 81 much needed berths to meet local and visitor demand. Completion of the Newton Marina was delayed due to the Covid-19 crisis and was officially opened in May 2021.
The development of a new Deep Water Port with approximately 500m of berthing faces will have associated passenger disembarkation/embarkation areas, a berth and linkspan for a freight ferry with loading and unloading area, and access connecting the port with the Arnish fabrication yard. The Deep Water Port will enable larger cruise ships to berth at Stornoway which they are currently unable to do. Increase in cruise ship visits to Stornoway will significantly benefit the local economy and the local tourism industry.
The project is expected to create more than 200 jobs and be a catalyst for major sustainable growth throughout the Outer Hebrides in several industries including renewable energy and tourism. The project is currently in the design phase and it is hoped that it will be operational in summer 2023.
Hogmanay Fireworks sponsored by the Stornoway Port. Isle of Lewis and Harris voted the top Europe’s destination
by Tripadvisor.
Record-breaking year for the Cruise & Yacht Season.
Extension of Stornoway Marina.
Launch of the new MV Loch Seaforth.
Start of the New Ferry Infrastructure Project.
2004 – Stornoway Harbour Revision (Constitution) Order 2003 re-constituted Stornoway Pier and Harbour Commission as Stornoway Port Authority as from 1 May 2004.
This Order also changed the method of appointing Board Members (formerly “Commissioners”) so as to achieve compliance with the Government’s Guidelines ‘Modernising Trust Ports – A Guide to Good Governance’. The area of jurisdiction of the Authority, known as the “Harbour Limits” was also extended.
1995- The Stornoway Harbour Revision Order 1995 made to take account of the disappearance of domestic ratepayers under the Abolition of Domestic Rates, etc (Scotland) Act 1987 which had an effect on the constitution of the Commission.
The Stornoway (Ferry Terminal) Harbour Revision Order 1995 empowered the Commission to construct the New Ferry Terminal in Newton Basin.
1976- Extension the outer limits of Stornoway Harbour for the first time since 1865 to run from the southernmost point of Holm Island to the southernmost point of Rudh a’ Bhaigh Uaine, authorized by The Stornoway Harbour Order Confirmation Act 1976. It also created Stornoway Harbour as a Pilotage District.
1956- The Royal Family arrived in Stornoway aboard ‘Britannia’.
1948 – Fishing by nets prohibited by The Stornoway Harbour Confirmation Act 1948.
1947 – Extension of King Edward Wharf as an open structure by 300 feet (No. 1 Pier); the construction of a causeway of 2,030 feet to Goat Island; the construction of an embankment to the south of the causeway; the construction of the Slipway at Goat Island; the construction of a jetty at Goat Island; the demolition of No. 3 Pier, authorised by The Stornoway Harbour Order Confirmation Act 1947.
1939- The Old Fish Mart scheduled for demolition due to a lack of funds.
1926 – Construction of a solid breastwork of 280 feet (North Beach Quay); a wharf of open structure of 420 feet (Esplanade Quay); a solid breastwork built with sheet steel piling (Cromwell Street Quay); and the dredging of the Inner Harbour to a depth of 8 feet authorised by the The Stornoway Harbour Order Confirmation Act 1926.
1923 & 1924 – The departure from Stornoway of the Canadian Pacific liners Metagama, Canada and Marloch.
1919- Iolaire Disaster.
1918 – Island sold to Lord Leverhulme by Major Duncan Matheson.
1894 – The Old Fish Mart opened for business.
1881 – Construction of solid quays and three wharves, extension of a timber wharf (Pier No.1) and construction of a quay wall (Esplanade Quay) authorised. Rapid growth of the fishing industry.
1879 – Death of Sir James Matheson.
1865 – Formation of Stornoway Pier & Harbour Commission, now the Stornoway Port Authority, the oldest extant statuary body in the Western Isles.
1852 – Arnish Light came into being and soon became an important focal point for maritime travellers.
By 1850 Stornoway became a town of some commercial importance, based on its reputation as the best harbour on Scotland’s north-west coast.
1844 – The island of Lewis purchased by Sir James Matheson from the bankrupt estate of Seaforth Mackenzies.