War Memorials in the Isle of Lewis

The Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland, has made a proportionately large sacrifice in the two World Wars of the 20th century. The losses suffered in the Great War of 1914-1919 stand at 1,300, which accounts for about 8% of the total population, one man out of every six. This war is held to have ended in 1919 in the island on account of the Iolaire Disaster, when 201 island sailors were drowned in the sinking of HMY Iolaire on 1 January 1919. It is frequently mentioned on the memorials in Lewis.

The Second World War number is about 450, reflecting the vastly different nature of that conflict.

The main memorial, just outside Stornoway, lists just over 1,150 names on 23 bronze plaques. It was erected in 1923, and inaugurated by the then landowner, Lord Leverhulme. The first memorial in rural Lewis was built in the township of Tolsta-Chaolais, a few miles south of Carloway or 20 miles west of Stornoway. Others were to follow during the 20th century.

All seventeen memorials have been photographed. Each appears on a separate page, complete with transcription and details on location and access. This information was first published on the Scottish War Memorials Forum, and is reproduced here.

Further information on casualties can be obtained from the two tribute sites Faces from the Lewis War Memorial and Second World War Tribute for Lewis.
 
The full list of war memorials in Lewis:

• Lewis War Memorial
• Back
• Barvas & Brue
  
• Branahuie & Melbost
• Carloway
• East Loch Roag
• Great Bernera
• Kinloch
• North Lewis (Borve)
• North Lewis (Ness)
• North Lochs
• North Tolsta
• Pairc
• Point
• Tolsta Chaolais
• Uig
• West Side

Last updated May 2024