Project of the week

A warehouse was constructed facing the ancient harbour at Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis and Harris sometime around 1820 - a space to hold herring and tweed exports, to mend sails and store nets. As the port expanded, the Category A-listed building, later known as the Old Sail Loft, gradually fell out of use.

The Old Sail Loft had been vacant for more than a decade when Highlands Historic Buildings Trust undertook the task of conserving the warehouse and the attached former Commercial Hotel. The aim was to repair and convert the buildings for new uses that would be sustainable into the future.

Today, the Old Sail Loft has been adapted into three beautifully presented town houses, one of which is available as a holiday let, supporting the island’s tourism industry. The project has also acted as a catalyst, inspiring the regeneration of other historic buildings across Stornoway.

“In addition to creating housing for local people and visitor accommodation for tourists, the sustainable reuse of this prominent local landmark has acted as a catalyst for further regeneration across the town - proving that heritage-led placemaking can help drive positive change across rural as well as urban communities.”

Matthew Mckeague, Chief Executive of the Architectural Heritage Fund