The grounds of Lews Castle in Stornoway contain a unique collection of exotic and native trees that was established around 1850 when soil, trees and shrubs were introduced from around the world. This is now designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as the only example of extensive and diverse woodland in the Western Isles. This ambitious project, undertaken by The Stornoway Trust, has focused on two principal elements – woodland restoration and building construction. A total of 34ha of invasive rhododendron and salmonberry has been cleared from the woodlands and adjacent open land as part of a long term control strategy and 163ha of new native woodland has been planted. Many of the planted trees were grown in the estate nursery. A new woodland centre has been constructed in the grounds of Lews Castle, only a few minutes walk from the centre of Stornoway, which will be used by local people and visitors. This was built by employees of The Stornoway Trust from Scottish grown timber, most of which was milled on the island. A new workshop complex has also been constructed as a base for staff working in the Castle Grounds to develop their woodland management and building skills. These buildings will be used to promote the use of timber in construction projects throughout the Western Isles.