Lewis is the largest and most populous of the islands in the Outer Hebrides. It is conjoined with Harris in the south though the two are traditionally considered separate islands, and separated from the mainland of Scotland by the Minch, some 30 miles across.

The principal town is Stornoway and there are four parishes: Stornoway and Lochs in the east, and Barvas and Uig in the west.

Population of Lewis

(source: General Register Office for Scotland, except *Angus Macleod Archive)

1755: 6386*

1821: 12231*

1841: 17037

1851: 19694

1861: 21056

1871: 23483

1881: 25415

1891: 27590

1901: 28949

1911: 29603

1921: 28378

1931: 25205

1941: (no census)

1951: 23731

1961: 21934

1971: 20329

1981: 21546

1991: 19901

2001: 18489

Ownership of Lewis

Clan Nicolson (to mid 12th century)

Clan Macleod (mid 12th century to 1610)

The Fife Adventurers (1598-1610)

Seaforth Mackenzies (1610-1844)

Sir James Matheson and heirs (1844-1918)

Lord Leverhulme (1918-1923)

Thereafter given to the inhabitants.

See also Angus Macleod's more detailed account of the proprietors.