A new book telling the story of one of Lewis’s best-known roads was officially launched at Àros an Rubha yesterday (Tuesday 6 October).
Point and Sandwick Trust hosted the launch of The Pentland Road, by Colin Tucker, bringing together representatives from local organisations and others with an interest in the history of the road and the research behind the book. Colin gave a short presentation on the project before signing copies for those attending.
The book traces the long and sometimes difficult story behind the route between Carloway and Stornoway, from the original proposal in the late 19th century through to its eventual opening in 1912 and its later decline and improvement.
Colin’s interest in the road goes back around 50 years, when he travelled along it at a time when its condition was very different from today.
He said: “I never thought that I would write a book about a road! But thanks to my own interest, going back to a journey along the road about fifty years ago in its then precarious condition, and hearing more recently misconceptions and wrong information on the subject, I decided to find the real story of the Pentland Road.”
His research uncovered a story spanning four decades. Early proposals for a route from Carloway to Stornoway were intended to help develop the fishing industry and improve local living standards, while there was considerable debate over whether the new connection should be a road or a railway.
Construction itself faced setbacks including difficult weather, bankruptcy and demands from crofters. The road eventually opened in 1912 and was named after the then Secretary for Scotland, Lord Pentland, who had played an important part in bringing the project to completion.
The book also explores the role of Lord Leverhulme, whose later plans for Lewis included proposals for a railway, and the subsequent decline of the Pentland Road. The route deteriorated to an almost unusable condition before a campaign eventually secured the funding needed to bring it up to the standard seen today.
Point and Sandwick Trust (PST), which uses income from its community-owned wind farm to support local projects, awarded £650 towards the cost of publication.
PST General Manager Donald John MacSween said: “The Pentland Road has a fascinating history behind it and Colin’s extensive research has made this publication possible. Projects like this help preserve and share local history and the stories behind places which have played an important part in island life, and we’re very pleased to have contributed towards its release.”
The Pentland Road is now available to buy from shops across the island including Bùth an Rubha, Baltic Bookshop, An Lanntair, Heb Jewellery and Geàrrannan Blackhouse Village with more coming soon.
Pictured above: Colin Tucker photographed at the launch. Credit SandiePhotos