North Tolsta Families and Stories
North Tolsta is a place filled with stories of strength, community, and a strong bond with nature. From our hardy ancestors who faced tough conditions, to the families that came after, each has played a part in shaping our rich history. Our society is committed to keeping these stories alive, making sure the voices of our past continue to be heard. Join us as we uncover the amazing tales that make up our identity, celebrate our heritage, and inspire future generations to respect the legacy of North Tolsta.
From Cadet to Captain
My journey from Cadet to command of MV Loch Seaforth by Capt. Lewis Mackenzie May 2014 Little did I think back in early 1988, when musing over my career options, that the path I chose would lead to command of the new Stornoway/ Ullapool ferry - MV Loch Seaforth....
Merchant Navy
Dòmhnall Ghiogain - A Log Book of Memories Tolsta couple Donald Maclean (Dòmhnall Ghiogain) and his wife Anna Dhànaidh entertained sailors from all over Scotland when they visited Mr and Mrs Maclean in their hospitable home in...
Atlantic double
Lewismen decorated Stornoway Gazette 1942 An Atlantic Double - Two Lewismen decorated for saving shipmates When a British ship was torpedoed in the North Atlantic , some months ago, there were two Lewis seamen in the crew, Angus...
The ASTRID story
The ASTRID Story To find the roots of ASTRID, you have to look up, up, up, to the northern heights of the Isle of Lewis. It is here that Charlie Clark, Willie Campbell of 62 North Tolsta and Gareth Russell were born, and although...
Thirty years in the Met
Thirty years with the Metropolitan Police (circa 2002) Sincere congratulations are extended to Murdo Morrison of ‘The Bungalow’, 20 New Tolsta (Mac Ghileis) on his retirement from the Metropolitan Police. He joined in 1972, following in the footsteps of his...
Scottish Motor Neurone Association
Scottish Motor Neurone Association (circa 2002) The Motor Neurone Association was formed in 1981. On the front cover of the Spring 2002 Edition of their magazine, AWARE was a photograph of John Macleod, late of Carran Ban, North Tolsta accompanied by the following...
Running in the Family
Marathon Man... No, not the famous film with Dustin Hoffman, but none other than Tolsta's own long distance runner, Angus MacKay (34 NT). Since taking up running seriously in 2000 at an age at which some of us think that a vest is a useful under garment in the Winter...
D-Day Landings
The 'Beginning of the End' of the War in Europe At the Teheran Conference in 1943, in a reference to the projected invasion of Europe , Winston Churchill said these words:- "This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end, but it is, perhaps, the end of...
Heart Transplant
Island's First Heart Transplant 10 Years On Some members of the Comann Eachdraidh spent a most enjoyable afternoon with Iain and Annie Maclean in their home at 33 Back recently. Iain a'Bhorbair formerly of Crossroads, Tolsta and Anna Chromartaidh of 20 North Tolsta,...
War in the Atlantic
Sink the Bismarck! On 24th May 1941 the Bismarck dealt a damaging blow to the Royal Navy and the British people by sinking the "mighty Hood" in the North Atlantic . The battle only lasted six minutes and there were only 3 survivors from the ships company of 1419....