Command Overview
The Western Isles Area Command comprises a group of islands off the West Coast of Scotland, stretching from the Butt of Lewis in the North, to Vatersay in the South. The area command supports a population of approximately 26,500 residents.
The Western Isles has the reputation of being a relatively crime-free community, enjoying one of the highest detection rates and the lowest crime rates in Scotland. However, there are challenges in policing the islands - evident in the geographical layout of the area, which is scattered and made up of a large percentage of isolated rural townships.
The Area Command Headquarters is based in Stornoway – the largest settlement and administrative capital of the islands – with other police offices located at Ness, Barvas, Tarbert, Carloway, Lochmaddy, Balivanich, Lochboisdale and Castlebay.
Numerous visitors come to the islands throughout the year. The main town, Stornoway, enjoys all the amenities of a medium-sized mainland town and has a lively and vibrant social scene. Attractions outwith Stornoway include outdoor pursuits such as fishing, hill-walking, cycling and surfing. The Callanish Standing Stones are a notable landmark, whilst the beaches in Uig, Harris and South Uist are arguably the finest within the British Isles.
Several events take place throughout the islands during the year. Of these, the annual Hebridean Celtic Festival which takes place in July - held on the Castle green in Stornoway - has become the most well known, with Van Morrison, Hothouse Flowers, Runrig and The Proclaimers amongst participating artists in recent years. This event in particular requires substantial Policing but invariably passes without adverse incident. The annual Mod takes place in Stornoway every 4-6 years, again attracting large numbers of visitors to the Western Isles.