Special summer offer in Scotland's Outer Hebrides
As if there weren’t enough reasons to visit the stunning islands of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides, now a major exhibition of the famous Lewis Chessmen has recently returned to the islands where they were first unearthed 180 years ago.
The exhibition uses new research to look at the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Lewis Chessmen, explore the stories surrounding their discovery and show how the characters reflected society at the time they were made. The Lewis Chessmen, part of a hoard of walrus ivory, will be on display at the summer-long event until 12th September at Museum na Eilean in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
The hoard of valuable Viking treasures were discovered beneath a sand dune on the western shore of Lewis in 1831 by a local man. As the largest and finest group of early chessmen to survive – they were made in Norway around 800 years ago - they are one of the most significant archaeological discoveries ever made in Scotland and are of major international importance. Few chessmen survive at all from the Middle Ages and these are unparalleled in their high-quality, humour and intricacy of design.
The four sets of chessmen are split between the British Museum and the National Museum of Scotland, but the two museums are pooling 30 chessmen - a third of the 93 gaming pieces - for the display.
Luxury five star Broad Bay House, located only seven miles from Stornoway and just a stone’s throw from a sweeping sandy beach, has a special Chessmen Offer for guests visiting the area in July and August – a complimentary half-day guided tour with a local expert of the beautiful area where the chessmen were discovered, plus a full-size replica of one of the pieces to take home as a reminder.
The peace and tranquillity at Broad Bay House ideally compliments the unhurried pace of island life on Lewis. The four individually decorated deluxe rooms open out on to their own personal decking area, and a beautiful vaulted guest lounge and dining area overlooks the panoramic vista. Breakfast and evening meals are also served in this light and airy space, with seasonal menus focusing on the finest fresh local produce.
Guests staying at Broad Bay House for 3 nights in July and August will enjoy a complimentary half-day guided tour, with a local expert, of the area where the chessmen were discovered and will be given a full-size replica of one of the pieces to take home. Rates are £175 per room for two people staying on a B&B basis. Dinner is £35 for three courses. The offer is valid for bookings made until 31 July 2011, and is subject to availability.
For further information on Broad Bay House visit: broadbayhouse.co.uk
