Make Your Way to Stornoway: A History of Cruise Ships to the Isle of Lewis, a new book by respected maritime historian and author Colin Tucker, is now on sale, offering a detailed exploration of the Isle of Lewis's enduring relationship with cruise ships and their passengers.
From the earliest days of cruise to the modern era of vast ocean liners carrying thousands of passengers, Make Your Way to Stornoway brings to life the history of maritime tourism to the Western Isles.
Published by Stornoway Port Authority, the book arrives at a moment of transformation
for the town, as the 2024 opening of a deep-water berth already begins to shape its
future as a key destination for global cruise liners.
“The Isle of Lewis has always held a romantic allure, drawing visitors with its breathtaking landscapes and deep cultural traditions,” explains Tucker.
“While researching this book, I delved into archives, personal diaries, and historical records, uncovering stories of adventurous travellers and the evolution of cruising as we know it today. As someone who calls this island home, it’s been both a professional and personal privilege to tell this story.”
Colin Tucker, originally from Inverness, now resides with his wife on Lewis. With a background in cartography and geography, Tucker has written extensively about Hebridean shipping and is widely regarded for his detailed and accessible histories.
His passion for the maritime heritage of the Western Isles shines through in this latest work, which chronicles the steamships of the 19th century to the grandeur of early ocean liners and today’s growing popularity of modern cruising.
Alex Macleod, chief executive of Stornoway Port Authority, said: “Stornoway’s maritime heritage is the cornerstone of our identity, and this book not only captures the history of cruise tourism but also underscores the cultural significance of welcoming visitors to our shores for centuries.
“With the opening of the deep-water terminal this year, we are already seeing the
positive impact in enhancing Stornoway’s status as a leading destination for cruise
ships. Make Your Way to Stornoway serves as a timely reminder of the rich history
that has brought us to this moment.”
The book is available to purchase at local outlets.
New book covers history of cruise ships to Lewis
16 December 2024