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First Day in the Outer Hebrides | Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Scotland

Campervan Tales

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Exploring Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides – Scotland’s quiet island capital.
Our first full day on these remote western isles begins with breakfast overlooking a Hebridean beach, before we head into Stornoway to wander its harbour, statues, and stories — including the tragedy of the HMY Iolaire.

Chapters

0:00 First Night Park-Up
1:40 Two Names – One Island
2:52 Lews Castle
4:46 Map of Our Plans
6:19 Stornoway Wander
11:15 Iolaire Cairn
13:42 House Prices
14:57 A Clever Idea
15:38 Closed on Sunday
20:41 Iolaire Centenary
22:36 Next Time

About This Video
We take our first real look at life in the Outer Hebrides, exploring Stornoway from its harbourfront to its quiet lanes.
Across the water stands Lews Castle, now a museum and once a wartime naval hospital, where sailors were treated during World War II.
At the Iolaire memorial cairn, we reflect on one of the darkest nights in island history — when returning sailors perished within sight of home.
Along the way, we find a surprising connection to India, check out local house prices, discover a clever bike-hire idea, and explain why the whole town still closes on Sundays.
Part of our series: Outer Hebrides Road Trip
A true Scottish islands road trip filled with hidden history, van life freedom, and coastal discovery.

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#OuterHebrides #Stornoway #VanLifeUK #CampervanAdventures #ScottishHistory #IolaireTragedy

12 Comments

@dieselbushcraft1299 11 months ago

Excellent video and brought back so many memories, I could so live up there.

@Trish-f2b 11 months ago

I really liked the statues all around the town and the tradition of closing on Sundays. People here would have a fit if they couldn't shop on a Sunday. Your park up and croissants looked fantastic! I got to see the beautiful pups a lot on this one! Always appreciated! What a cool idea about the bike hire.I would love that in my area. I don't remember the band Slate so I will look them up. What an incredible memorial of the ship and looks so pretty lit up. You've got my curiosity sated about next time lol! Have the best weekend and thanks so much!!

@Trish-f2b 11 months ago

Sorry I meant intrigued about next week lol!

@TwocupsadayWithVictoriavlogs 11 months ago

I like that they kept the tradition of rest on Sundays to a point as sometimes you do run out of something even on a Sunday. Cliffhanger ending lol. Have a great weekend you two :o) xx

@getawaygeese 11 months ago

Something quite nice about Sunday being well closed and still we noticed it in France in places …. Sort of escapes the hustle n bustle

@shaunspencer6437 8 months ago

The Iolaire is probs the saddest disaster to happen in the UK .
Did u not see the stakes in the harbour in the shape of a ship as a memorial .
Each stake representing a life lost .
Anyway that bought back many memories .

@mickylawless1941 11 months ago

Great video! Back in the day, Bozeman used to be a ghost town on Sundays. Very few businesses would be open. Nowadays, this town doesn’t really ever slow down. The real estate prices there are amazing. I wonder what winters are like there? Probably wet and cold?! I had to look up Slade, turns out I did know them. They got a lot of air play back in the day. Their music had great energy and they were a fun band! Have a great weekend my friends. Happy Halloween! Cheers!

@MarilynJames-kv5rt 10 months ago

Keep Sundays special- brilliant - I would have been there with my banner. Shame on Tesco not good for workers and their families and unfair competitive advantage. That memorial is so poignant survived the war then lost in a storm 😢 so sad, must be amazing to see lit up. That seal story was gross it must have honked. Friend of mine bought 4 whole trout for Christmas and sent her dad to pick them up. Got them back and he insisted there were only 3. Week or so later people were refusing to get in her car and she was heaving. Ahherm no 4 was in the spare tyre well. Daddy who had been so insistent was made to do the valet.

@ScottBooted 11 months ago

Nice one
Chaps
I’m
Doing this in January , But please advise about the Midge midgies situation .
Many thanks
🙏
It’s not often I comment , but it was a great pleasure to watch your trip
Many thanks
Scott

@catrmeow 1 month ago

The “shame on you Donald John” sign is about Donald Trump his mother was from Lewis

@deenunya7735 11 months ago

Its not Galick..its Gaelic

@tomcat7525 11 months ago

I see the Brompton bikes are £5 per day to hire, but I think I would prefer an electrically assisted as for £5 you only get a 3 speed. Too much like hard work at my age. 🧓🏼