When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Stornoway?
Like with the majority of Scotland, it is often easier to find cheap flights to Stornoway during the winter months as tourism is at its slowest. Although it’s generally much colder and wetter during that time of year, Scotland’s weather is known for being strangely changeable and unpredictable, so you never quite know what to expect.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Stornoway?
Book your Stornoway flights two to three months before departure in order to secure the best budget-friendly deals. However, if you’re able to be more flexible with your travel plans, you can take a chance on finding a possibly cheaper last-minute flight. Make sure to visit in late July if you’re interested in attending the Hebridean Celtic Festival, an annual festival filled with live music and Celtic culture, all set in front of the beautiful backdrop of Stornoway’s Lews Castle.
Flying to Stornoway Airport (SYY)
Stornoway Airport (SYY) is an airfield located on the Island of Lewis in the Western Isles of Scotland. Historically a military airstrip, SYY was used as an airbase during the Second World War and has been utilised by North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the Royal Air Force since then. These days, the Stornoway Airport is used mainly for domestic commercial flights as well as by Royal Mail and Her Majesty’s Coastguard.
Direct flights to Stornoway are operated year-round by Loganair and depart from Benebecula, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness whereas flights from Manchester run seasonally. From further afield, it is possible to reach Stornoway by flying to any one of the above airports, all of which operate a large number of both domestic and international return flights.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Upon disembarking any Stornoway flights, you’ll be welcomed into a small yet well-equipped airport with all the necessary facilities. Located within the single terminal building is a newsagent, a convenience store and a cafe, each selling a variety of snacks, drinks and travel supplies to make the rest of your journey more enjoyable and comfortable. The airport also houses several payphones, a post box, baby-changing facilities and computer access. On top of that, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.
Getting to the City from Stornoway Airport (SYY)
Located approximately three kilometres east of the town of Stornoway, the airfield is quick and easy to reach. In addition to a local bus route that transports passengers between the town centre and the airport, you can hire a car or taxi to take you to Stornoway. As SYY is quite small, try to hire your car or taxi in advance of your return flights to avoid unnecessary delays although doing so is still possible upon arrival.
Why Visit Stornoway?
Home to a third of the island’s population, the main port town of Stornoway is the place to visit when exploring the Outer Hebrides. Thanks to the sheltered nature of its harbour, the settlement has developed into a thriving community that houses a number of facilities for the locals and attractions for those wishing to visit the Western Isles.
Set your alarm for the early hours of the morning, and you’ll hear the main harbour being flooded with the shouts of local fishermen bringing in their catch of the day before it’s taken to some of the island’s favourite eateries. Spend the day exploring the glorious grounds of Lews Castle, a Victorian-era structure built in the mid-nineteenth century that houses a museum and archive that documents the unique culture and history of the Outer Hebrides. Don’t forget to check out some of the local products, including Harris Tweed and the renowned Stornoway Black Pudding. Finally, to truly experience the beauty of the island, make sure to take a hike on one of the popular, woodland walking paths.
