On their 9th Anniversary, the Western Isles Lottery Team are delighted to announce the installation of 12 ‘story’ barrels around the Town Centre. Each barrel is strategically placed with an inset view on top showing its current location as it once appeared many years ago.
The vision for The Stornoway Story began in discussions with Chris Rutterford, Artist, to creatively showcase the backstory of the town with a mural trail to regenerate dilapidated areas of the town.
The Team realised that the story should also include the significance of the many sculpture installations they have already installed, including the much admired Peat Lady, Mr Glen and the most recently installed Chess Warder in Bayhead.
A website is currently being built which will now comprise of the mural trail, which is soon to be added to, the sculptures and now the Barrel Trail. This will result in a comprehensive Tourist Trail between the exit from the ferry terminal to the Porter’s Lodge in Bayhead. Both our younger generations and tourists will gain knowledge and insight into how Stornoway has looked and been developed over the years as well as the trail bringing back many memories to our older generations.
Industries such as the herring trade, fishing, weaving and creel making are being captured as well as historic modes of transport for example.
The next stage of the Mural Trail is scheduled to be installed along Shell Street in early October which will encompass the portraits of many local characters. The Team are looking forward to watching the public’s enthusiasm when trying to identify some of those who have already been involved in the ambitious project.