STORNOWAY 2025

UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway, Isle of Lewis

Organized by the Islands Book Trust in association with Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NORA), this international event brings together experts, community leaders, and stakeholders to discuss the pressing economic challenges and explore sustainable opportunities for North Atlantic island communities. Participants will exchange insights, ideas, and action plans to foster sustainable futures for small island communities.

International Conference

North Atlantic & Arctic Neighbours: Building Sustainable Futures for Island Communities

This is the first conference of its kind in Stornoway. It includes Scotland and Scottish Isles, and the NORA countries: Greenland, Iceland, Faroe Islands, and coastal Norway.

Part 1: UHI North, West and Hebrides, Stornoway Campus

• Tuesday and Wednesday, 1-2 July.
• The two-day programme focusses on key themes like resilience, governance, innovation, and community engagement. Sessions emphasize practical approaches, informed by case studies, expert presentations, and interactive discussions, to ensure tangible outcomes. By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, it aims to inspire the development of practical strategies for resilient and thriving island communities.

Part 2: HEBRIDEAN CULTURAL HERITAGE EXCURSION

• Thursday 3rd July
• This day-long excursion offers insight into the cultural and historical heritage of the Hebrides. Highlights include a visit to Galson Estate Trust to explore community land ownership, Ness Historical Society to learn about crofting and language preservation, and the iconic Callanish Stones. The day ends with a Gaelic Musical Ceilidh on return to Stornoway.

Sign up for Part I, Part II, or both

Accommodation in Stornoway

Stornoway has a limited number of hotels and other accommodation options, and they tend to fill up quickly. The conference has secured rooms for invited guests, but for others wishing to attend and who need accommodation, the following links to explore hotels, B&Bs, and other options as early as possible:

• Visitscotland
• Visitouterhebrides
• Expedia

You may also find additional options by searching for Airbnb listings in and around Stornoway.

If you need further general information and general guidance on accommodation, you can contact The Island Book Trust (IBT).

IBT also has an agreement with the University Campus for access to some student accommodation close to the UHI campus. This may provide a budget-friendly option that may suit those looking for only very basic accommodation. Contact IBT for additional details.

To get in touch with IBT:

• Email: sales@islandsbooktrust.org
• Phone: +44 1851 450104

Contact

• John Randall (Islands Book Trust) - john673randall@btinternet.com
• Ernst S. Olsen (NORA) - ernst@nora.fo