On 5 July 1867, the Glasgow Herald
published an article with the above title. It touches on several
aspects on life in the island. I copy the opening lines - things appear
to have changed little, it would seem. Further parts of the article are
being copied on the Pentland Road blog, showing that this was most definitely written 144 years ago.
You would scarcely believe what a primitive state of things is to be
found lingering in this most northerly of the Hebrides. Of course, I
don’t refer to Stornoway, which is a great centre of civilisation here,
and is believe by the natives to stand precisely in the centre of the
universe. In point of fact, it is a thriving little place, very much
like any other Scotch town of its size. The houses are much the same as
in the South, though building is very expensive here, the stone, wood,
lime, everything almost, having to be brought by sea. The people are
enterprising, intelligent and hospitable; the merchants trade and
over-trade in a style that leaves nothing to be desired but money; and
captivating young ladies exhibit the latest fashions in the streets and
in the beautiful grounds that surround the Castle where dwell Sir James
and Lady Matheson, the Emperor and Empress of the Lews, who generously
leave the grounds open to all.
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