Leurbost

Leurbost (Scottish Gaelic: Liùrbost [ˈʎuːrpɔs̪t̪]) is a village on the east coast of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. It is approximately 6 miles (10 kilometres) south of Stornoway on the road to Harris. It is the main settlement in the area of the island known as North Lochs. Leurbost is within the parish of Lochs.^[1]

Leurbost Scottish Gaelic: Liùrbost
Leurbost Community Centre
Leurbost Location within the Outer Hebrides
Population	500
Language	Scottish Gaelic Gaidhlig English
OS grid reference	NB371259
Civil parish	Lochs
Council area	Na h-Eileanan Siar
Lieutenancy area	Western Isles
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	ISLE OF LEWIS
Postcode district	HS2
Dialling code	01851
Police	Scotland
Fire	Scottish
Ambulance	Scottish
UK Parliament	Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Scottish Parliament	Na h-Eileanan an Iar
List of places UK Scotland 58.144°N 6.468°W / 58.144; -6.468

History

In 1856 reports circulated of a 'sea-serpent' in a fresh water loch near the town.^[2] The creature, referred to as Searrach Uisge, was said to be eel-like, 40 feet (12 metres) long and raised comparisons to the mythical Kelpie.^[2][3]

Economy

Amenities in the village include a community centre; a school, Sgoil nan Loch (which replaced the old Leurbost as well as Fidigarry (Ranish), Knockiandue (Keose) and Balallan schools); a petrol station and a shop. The school caters for children from nursery age through primary 1–7.