115260: Tong Farmhouse

The former Tong Manse was renamed in 1855 when the church moved to Sandwick. It looks across Tong Sands towards Stornoway. A small U-plan steading was erected to the rear of the house when it became a farmhouse.

The 1861 census listed the tenant as Alexander Grant. In 1889 Thomas Newall took over the tenancy of Tong Farm and settled at Tong Farmhouse with his wife, Ann Tattersall. After his death the tenancy passed to his son, John.

In 1902 John Newall took over the tenancy of Tong Farm. He and his wife Ann Mackay settled at Tong Farmhouse. 

In 1919 the farm was involved in the 'land grab' by landless ex-servicemen, along with the farms at Coll and Gress. Lord Leverhulme granted the raiders crofting rights at Tong Farm almost immediately.

In 1923 the farmhouse was sold. It is current on the buildings at risk register.