Stornoway is a planned colonial urban settlement dating from the 17th century. It is the main commercial centre for Lewis and Harris and the gateway to the Western Isles. The Town Centre Conservation Area is a mixture of late-18th century and mid-Victorian buildings surrounding the harbour. Over time, the area has been subject to significant unemployment and depopulation due to its remoteness and the decline in traditional industries such as fishing and crofting.

By pulling together funding from the council and Historic Scotland, and working in partnership with local community groups, the Townscape Heritage Initiative helped to retain and improve the strong individual Victorian character of the heart of Stornoway. This was done by repairing and restoring landmark buildings, removing unsympathetic features, improving the public realm and bringing historic buildings back into use.

Training in traditional building skills was given to young people, and a programme of profile-raising events helped to raise awareness of the scheme and the importance of the conservation area.