One of Stornoway’s most recognisable buildings is set to reopen for the first time in more than a decade, as new investment paves the way for the Caledonian Hotel to return to active use.
Overlooking the harbour and long absent from the life of the town, the Caledonian Hotel will undergo a major refurbishment supported by investment linked to SSEN Transmission’s Lewis Hub project.
Work is expected to begin this year, bringing the building back into use for the first time since it closed in 2013, with the hotel initially providing accommodation for construction personnel involved in delivering the Lewis Hub.
The redevelopment is being made possible through significant investment from SSEN Transmission, with principal contractor RJ McLeod set to occupy the property during the construction phase.
Once the Lewis Hub has been completed, the Caledonian Hotel is expected to reopen to the public, creating long term benefits for the town’s economy, tourism offer and community life.
The first phase of refurbishment is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, focusing on upgrading the building to provide high quality accommodation from summer 2027, while also securing its future as a commercially viable hotel beyond the construction period.
The hotel’s new owners, the Macarthur family, have been developing and operating accommodation businesses locally for three generations and say their vision has always been to return the Caledonian to full public use.
Speaking on behalf of the family, David Macarthur said the hotel’s long closure had left a visible gap on Stornoway’s waterfront.
“After more than a decade of closure, the Caledonian Hotel’s absence has been keenly felt on the town’s waterfront.
“Like many long vacant buildings, its closure has had a visible impact on the character and vitality of the town centre.”
He said restoring such a large and historic island building had presented serious challenges.
“Restoring a large, historic island hotel, especially one that has stood unused for so long, posed major commercial and operational challenges, and now the support from SSEN Transmission and its contractor RJ McLeod has created a pathway for the building to be brought back into active use.”
“We are delighted this project is now coming to fruition.
“Built on a long standing commitment to quality, sustainability and local employment, we expect this development to make a positive contribution to the town and wider community.”
Callum Wardrop, Project Director for the Lewis Hub, said the refurbishment reflects a wider ambition to leave a lasting legacy.
“We are committed to creating a positive legacy through the construction of the Lewis Hub, and our investment that enables the refurbishment of the Caledonian Hotel is a clear demonstration of that ambition.
“Not only will this provide accommodation for personnel involved in the construction of the Lewis Hub, it will also bring the hotel back into long term use.”
He said the project would help ease pressure on local housing and tourism markets while delivering a valuable community asset.
Colin Maclean, Construction Director at RJ McLeod, said the company was pleased to be part of the regeneration effort.
“We are happy to be involved with SSEN Transmission and Macarthur family to help regenerate a building that forms part of the frontage of Stornoway.”
Plans for the refurbished hotel include 20 rooms, expanded dining and bar space with harbour views, and new facilities designed to support both construction workers and future guests, with the project expected to create jobs during refurbishment and long term employment once the hotel fully reopens.
After more than a decade standing dark on the waterfront, the Caledonian Hotel is now set to become part of Stornoway’s story once again.
