Lewis, Lews Castle, Ranol
Military Camp (20th Century)(Possible)
Site Name Lewis, Lews Castle, Ranol
Classification Military Camp (20th Century)(Possible)
Alternative Name(s) Lews Castle College
Canmore ID 273339
Site Number NB43SW 55.01
NGR NB 4205 3313
NGR Description Centred NB 4205 3313
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/273339
- Council Western Isles
- Parish Stornoway
- Former Region Western Isles Islands Area
- Former District Western Isles
- Former County Ross And Cromarty
Field Visit (July 2005)
NB43SW 55.01 centred c.4205 3313
No evidence for the hut bases of an accommodation camp could be seen on the date of visit in an area SE of Lews Castle. Oral evidence provided in Stornoway would suggest this was the camp for personnel serving on the flying boats, however it is entirely clear whether these huts were linked to the gun battery site(NB43SW 55.00), or the seaplane base in Stornoway harbour (NB43SW 30) as there is some evidence they may have served both. Lews Castle was used by the military during WW II.
The accommodation camp for military personnel serving at the heavy anti-aircraft battery or the Seaplane Base (NB43SW 30) to the N is visible on vertical air photographs (540/517, 4221-4222, flown 31 may 195) in the grounds of Lews Castle (NB43SW 49.00). At least twelve roofed huts and the bases for a further eight are situated in an area of open ground immediately SE of the Castle.
Visited by RCAHMS (DE), July 2005
