Borve, Lewis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Borve
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_-_cropped.jpg) Borve Free Church |
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 Borve
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| Language | Scottish Gaelic English |
| OS grid reference | NB412561 |
| Civil parish | |
| Council area | |
| Lieutenancy area | |
| Country | Scotland |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | ISLE OF LEWIS |
| Postcode district | HS2 |
| Dialling code | 01851 |
| Police | Northern |
| Fire | Highlands and Islands |
| Ambulance | Scottish |
| EU Parliament | Scotland |
| UK Parliament |
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| Scottish Parliament |
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Borve is a small village in Scotland. It's on the west side of the Isle of Lewis. This island is part of the Outer Hebrides. Borve is about 17 miles (27 km) from Stornoway, the main town on the island. Its name in Scottish Gaelic is Borgh.
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Where is Borve Located?
Borve village is built along the River Borve. Two bridges cross this river. An old stone bridge from the late 1800s is still there. It's not used for cars anymore. A newer bridge was built in the early 1990s. The main road, called the A857, goes right through the village. This road connects Stornoway and Ness.
The village is split into three main parts:
- Borve: This part used to be called Fivepenny Borve. It stretches from the south up to the river.
- High Borve: This area is north of the river. It was once known as Mid-Borve.
- Melbost Borve: This section is closest to another village called Galson.
Discovering Borve's Past
Borve has a long and interesting history. People have lived here for a very long time.
Ancient History of Borve
In Melbost Borve, you can find old ruins. There's a burial ground called Cladh Bhrighid. You can also barely see the remains of a tiny chapel. This chapel is called Teampall Bhrìghid. There's also a well nearby, named Tobar Bhrìghid. All these places are dedicated to St Brigid.
About half a mile (800 meters) north of Melbost Borve are the ruins of Dun Bhuirgh. This was a very old fort built before the Norse people arrived. Its name comes from an old Norse word, borg, which means "fort." People in the 1800s believed this fort gave the village its name. The original fort was round. It had an inside space about 30 feet (9 meters) across. Its walls were very thick, about 11 feet (3.4 meters).
The Clan Macquarrie Ship Rescue
On a stormy night in 1953, a large ship got into trouble. The ship was called the SS Clan Macquarrie. It weighed 7,131 tons. Strong winds pushed it onto the shore at Borve. The winds were blowing at over 100 miles per hour (160 km/h). Local villagers bravely went out in the terrible weather. They used a special rope system called a breeches buoy to reach the ship. They rescued all 66 crew members safely. Because of their courage, the shipping company gave money to the village. This money helped build a new village hall.
War Memorial
Near the Community Centre, you'll find the North Lewis War Memorial. This memorial lists the names of men from Borve and nearby villages. These men died in the two World Wars. It also remembers those lost in the Iolaire Disaster of 1919. One person from the Boer Wars is also listed.
Churches in Borve
Borve Free Church is located in the middle of the village. This church has recently been used for traditional Hebridean weddings.
Teampall Bhrìghid: An Old Church
The ruins of a much older church are in Melbost Borve. This church was called Teampall Bhrìghid, or St Bridget's Church. Over time, its stones were taken to build other things. Now, only a grassy mound shows where the church once stood. Local stories say that Swain, a Norse king, was buried here with his crown.
Images for kids
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Borve Free Church
