Central Garage in Stornoway is nestled in between the Red Cross charity shop and Divas clothes…read moreshop. Great friendly staff who're very helpful and accommodating. I always take my car there to get it's mot done, they're thorough, fast and efficient. I've recently started taking my car there for it's services too as they don't take the mickey over things like charging for windscreen wash when you made sure it was full before you went like happened at the official dealers garage. Mot spaces get snapped up quickly though so you're best to book your car in or phone first thing in the morning to check if they're able to squeeze you in somewhere.

The tourist information office is the first place any tourist should go upon arriving on the…read moreisland. They have leaflets for all popular attraction and offer a plenty of ideas for how to spend your time on the island. It is also a gift shop, meaning you can pick up some souvenirs to remind you of your trip. They are open every day and during the summer they are open late for those arriving on the late ferry. The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable and definitely the place to go if you are unsure how to get to a certain area or hotel.

Hebrides Haulage is one of several haulage companies on the Island. They are the ones I usually use…read moreand have found their service to be excellent. You can drop of your parcels at their depot in Stornoway or they can collect. They then deliver your items quickly. They mainly deliver/pick up from The Islands, Aberdeen and Glasgow. Although they usually bring over items from other mainland couriers as well. They are based up a side street around from Ingy's garage and are open all through the week (I'm unsure about Saturdays). I've found their drivers always take care of your packages, although sometimes their delivery times aren't what they say it will be (I'm yet to find a courier who deliver when they say they will lol!) They would be the ones I recommend as they always give a good price whether you are sending 1 box or 20!

Wanted a couch shifted, looked around for a carrier and came across H&H. They gave me a quote and…read moresuitable date. At the southern end the sender was very pleased with their manner and the care they took in wrapping well to protect the object. When they arrived here I found it to be extremely well wrapped and protected. They asked where I wanted it, and, even though it was an awkward transit they placed it just where I wanted it. Their whole manner was exemplary and far exceed my expectations, when offered a small recompense for their work it was refused with the comment 'put it to charity'. All in all a very pleasant experience and I would thoroughly recommend them to anyone without hesitation. Allan

Caledonian Macbrayne is the company who run the ferry in the Western Isles. The Terminal in…read moreStornoway is a few minutes walk from the centre of town. With ferries leaving twice a day (weather permitting) and three times during summer, it is a good alternative to flying to reach the mainland. There is a dispute with their prices just now with people hoping they will reduce the costs. It is always advisable to buy your tickets before you travel as the ferry can be fully booked especially when the Celtic Festival is on. The staff are helpful and keep queuing to a minimum. The terminal has some seats whilst waiting to board but you don't usually wait long as they let you on as soon as they can.

Cal Mac run the daily ferries to and from the Island…read more The Isle of Lewis is the passenger and car ferry though some freight travels on it too. It's always advisable to book your car on in advance as this guarantees a space as sometimes the car deck can be fully booked. The Ferry terminal is quite new and shaped like the old fish mart that used to be in the town during the big herring fishing. Staff are always friendly and helpful and though the prices seem fairly high, it's lots cheaper than flying though it takes longer! The ferry itself has recently been refurbished and has an observation lounge with a large seating area or reclining chairs, a tv lounge with small soft play area, a wee cafe upstairs and a large cafeteria downstairs, though prices are expensive. There's also a bar and an area for keeping your pets. Toilets are kept clean. It's always advisable to check online to make sure the weather hasn't disrupted sailings, especially in the winter months. To avoid you getting stuck.

Engebrets Petrol Filling station ( or Ingy's as locals call it) is one of two petrol station in…read moreStornoway. Last I checked it was the cheapest by a penny. They have 8 (I think) petrol/diesel pumps as well as a self use hose for washing your car. Inside is a small shop selling magazines, papers, bread, soft drinks, canned foods and other groceries. They have started selling coffees/teas and hot foods like bacon and egg rolls. They have a selection of rolls and pasties for lunch. It's a 10 minute walk from the town centre so not ideal for lunch but if you were driving and looking for a quick bite this would be a good place to go. The best thing about them is they have 2 cash tills one for purchases and one purely for petrol sales so if you are just buying fuel you can be in and out very fast!

Engebrets filling station is more than just a petrol station…read more There are plenty of unleaded and diesel pumps though if you go during lunch and some other times you might catch them at a busy moment and have to wait a wee while as they're always the cheapest on the Island by at least a penny per litre. I find the evening is usually quietest. They also have a pump for red diesel for tractors or boats and sell lpg. There are 3 pay machines for self-car washing, an air pump for inflating your tires and a pay vacuum machine. Plenty of parking spaces all around the premesis. Inside the shop there's the usual sweets, crisps, magazines, alcohol and cigarettes, lottery machine and juice etc but they also stock a small selection of household items, biscuits, chilled and frozen goods. There are also outdoor activity influenced items, waterproofs, fishing tackle, torches and the like though these are heavily priced. And you'll find local notices by the door along with some local books and if I remember correctly you can get os maps here too. At lunchtimes it's always really busy as they have a great selection of sandwiches, rolls pastas, hot pastries, soup, baked potatoes and hot dogs. Open 7 days a week - Mon-Sat from early morning till 11 at night and 10-4 on Sundays

The Stornoway backpackers hostel is an ideal place to stay if you are on a strict budget. Located…read moreon a quite side street mere minutes from the town centre and about a 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal. The rooms are clean and tidy and the staff are helpful and willing to work around your arrival times. Its in an ideal place as even at the weekend as it's at the opposite end to where the bars, clubs are you should have a peaceful night. Greatly suited to those on a budget who will spend more time exploring the island than in their room

Fantastic service, I messaged them for support. As a small…read morebusiness owner (Taigh Dubh Candles) on the beautiful Isle of Lewis I was paying far too much on postage from suppliers. I had issues as soon as I mentioned Highlands and Islands. First class service, advice and support and our own delivery driver is amazing. Margaret Ralston.

Woody's express parcel is another courier based in Stornoway. They are tucked up a side street…read morealong from Ingys garage. They can take any packages anywhere in the UK for you. They also take catalogue returns free of charge. When ordering from Argos catalogue, the only way to get it delivered up to the island is via Woody's. You need to call or go into their office and place your order with them. They then tell you when your items have arrived and for a small fee can deliver it for you if you are unable to pick it up. The staff in the office and friendly and helpful and their drivers are always careful with your items.