In 1974, Lewis Offshore opened in Stornoway, producing large steel structures for the offshore oil industry, heralding a boom for the economy and changing the landscape of the Isle of Lewis.
With oil in the North Sea, a new wave of opportunity sprung forth across the Highlands, a welcome development on the island, where the local economy was struggling. The development of Arnish began when a Norwegian company enquired about the possibility of a fabrication yard just outside of Stornoway, and since it opened in the mid-70s, it has been part of the landscape and culture of Lewis. It enabled many families to remain and work on the island, gave the local economy a much needed boost, and taught many people new skills that would benefit the community to this day. We hear memories from those who worked at Arnish, detailing the successful and challenging times throughout the years. They also explain the impact it had on the town of Stornoway and on the island.
Ann an naoi ceud deug seachdad ’s a ceithir dh’ fhosgail Lewis Offshore ann an Steòrnabhagh. Thòisich gàrradh ola Arnish ga leasachadh an uair a dh’ fhaighnich companaidh às an Nirribhidh, mu làrach cruthachaidh a steidheachadh dìreach taobh a-muigh baile Stèornabhaigh, agus bho dh’ fhosgail e ann am meadhan nan seachdadan, tha e air a bhith na phàirt de chruth-tìre agus cultar Eilean Leòdhais. Chiallaich e gum b’ urrainn do mhòran theaghlaichean fuireach agus obair fhaighinn air an eilean, thug e spionnadh do eaconomaidh na sgìre, agus thug e sgilean do dhaoine, a tha fhathast na bhuannachd don choimhearsnachd chun an là an-diugh.
Cluinnidh sinn na cuimhneachain sònraichte a th’ aig daoine a bha ag obair ann an Arnish is iad ag innse mu na h-amannan soirbheachail ’s deuchainneach a bh’ aca tro na bliadhnaichean a bha iad ann. Tha iad cuideachd a’ toirt iomradh air a’ bhuaidh mhòr a bh’ aige air baile mòr Steòrnabhaigh agus gu dearbha air an eilean air fad.
