War Memorial, Memorial Avenue, Stornoway, Lewis

The War Memorial on Memorial Avenue in Stornoway, Lewis, was erected around 1920 as a tribute to those who lost their lives in the First World War. It features a tall castellated tower built on Cnoc nan Uan and is conceptually related to the memorial at Dingwall dedicated to Field Marshall Hector MacDonald, designed by James Sandford Kay in 1907. The design of this structure also draws inspiration from the National Wallace Monument at Stirling, built between 1859 and 1869 by Glasgow architect J T Rochead. The memorial is constructed from rubble and has a square plan, an internal staircase, and a castellated parapet with a cap-house. The Islesmen made a significant contribution to the First World War, suffering heavy losses, particularly at Gallipoli and the Somme. Many were drawn into naval service due to their sea-faring tradition, where losses were also substantial. The tragic sinking of the "Iolair" on New Year's Eve 1918-1919, which claimed the lives of returning troops, further heightened the toll. This monument holds considerable historical significance, reflecting the profound impact of the war on the local community.