Planning Service
Building Conservation
Stornoway Conservation Area
Long valued for its natural harbour facilities providing shelter for vessels in the often stormy seas of the North West coast of Scotland Stornoway’s history and development are closely related to its maritime significance. Many of the present day buildings and urban fabric derive from the time of the highly productive fishing industry in the 19th. and 20th. Centuries.
Front cover , Historic Scotland publication
Stornoway has two particular features which identify it as being of special character, the construction of many of its buildings utilising an early form of concrete and cement and its extensive collection of cast iron decoration including railings, rainwater goods and finials. The cast iron work is perhaps the best resource in the whole of Scotland. Historic Scotland published a very informative book on the history of the iron work : to obtain a copy go to Historic Scotland’s website www.historic-scotland.gov.uk.
A Conservation Area Appraisal for the whole Conservation Area was prepared as part of the development for the Townscape Heritage Initiative. From this a Conservation Area Management Plan was prepared. This document gives detailed guidance for new development in the Stornoway Conservation Area. This document, together with the boundaries of the Conservation Area, are being reviewed to ensure that both are up to date and remain relevant.
For details of grant availability please see Conservation Grant Scheme.
