Beacon in the West: A Hundred Years of the Stornoway Trust

In 1918, Lord Leverhulme bought the island of Lewis with ambitious plans to expand its fishing industry and increase its population. However, his plans failed, and in 1923, he offered it free of charge to the islanders in two parts. The business class of Stornoway accepted the offer and made the radical slogan 'Land for the People' a reality. The Stornoway Trust, a stable, democratic government, guided the pioneering estate into the 21st century, weathering migration and depopulation caused by two world wars.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 05 October 2023
Publisher: Birlinn General

In 1918, Lord Leverhulme acquired the island of Lewis with grand aspirations to significantly enhance its fishing industry and population. However, when his plans fell short in 1923, he generously offered the island to the islanders in two parts. One part, encompassing impoverished rural areas, posed economic viability challenges. On the other hand, the other part, centered around the bustling fishing port and administrative center of Stornoway, held promise. When the Stornoway community accepted Leverhulme's offer, they embraced the responsibility of making the radical slogan "Land for the People" a reality. This unlikely alliance proved successful, as it brought stability and prosperity to both town and country amidst the turbulent times of the 20th century.

Migration and depopulation became more pronounced due to the impact of two world wars. The traditional lottery of private landownership could not address these issues effectively. However, the Stornoway Trust, established as a stable and democratic government, provided a solution. It ensured that both urban and rural areas would endure the storms and thrive.

Roger Hutchinson, in his captivating narrative, delves into the story of those storms and the individuals who guided the pioneering estate of Lewis into the relative security and prosperity of the 21st century. Through his vivid portrayal, he sheds light on the unique landholding experiment, the Highland land struggle, and the island of Lewis itself, offering a comprehensive understanding of its history and significance.

Weight: 364g
Dimension: 223 x 144 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839830501