Portrait of Kimberly, late 1880s

Rear Admiral Lewis Ashfield Kimberly (22 April 1830 – 28 January 1902) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War and the years following.

Early life and career[link]

Kimberly was born in Troy, New York, and was appointed a Midshipman 8 December 1846. From 1847 to 1860. he was in the African, Pacific, and East India Squadrons.

Civil War service[link]

During the Civil War he served on Potomac in the West Gulf Blockading Squadron and took part in the Mississippi River operations at Port Hudson, Grand Gulf, and Vicksburg. He was Executive Officer of Hartford in the Battle of Mobile Bay and was warmly commended for gallant and efficient service.

Post-war commands[link]

During the period 1866 to 1889, he cruised in European, Atlantic, Pacific, and East Indian waters. He commanded Canonicus, Monongahela, and Omaha, before assuming the Presidency of the Naval Examining Board in 1885 with the rank of Commodore.

On 11 April 1887, he took command of the Asiatic Station, and two months later was promoted to Rear Admiral.

While Commander in Chief of the Pacific station, he was unable to save his flagship Trenton from the violent typhoon which struck Samoa from 15 to 17 March 1889. Guiding his men with the words, "If we go down, let us do so with our flag flying," Kimberly skillfully beached his flagship, losing only one man in the raging storm that wrecked Trenton.

Following his return to the United States in January 1890, Rear Admiral Kimberly was appointed President, Board of Inspection and Survey; and he held that post until retirement in April 1892.

Rear Admiral Kimberly died 28 January 1902 in West Newton, Massachusetts.

Namesakes[link]

Two U.S. Navy ships have been named USS Kimberly in his honor.

References[link]

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.

Coordinates: 58°13′13″N 6°22′59″W / 58.220163°N 6.38301°W / 58.220163; -6.38301

Lewis
Scottish Gaelic:  Leòdhas (help·info)
Lewis shown within the Outer Hebrides
Area	683 sq mi (1,770 km2)
Population	18,500
- Density	27 /sq mi (10 /km2)
Language	Scottish Gaelic
	English
OS grid reference	NB426340
Council area	Na h-Eileanan Siar
Lieutenancy area	Western Isles
Country	Scotland
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	STORNOWAY ISLE OF LEWIS
Postcode district	HS1, HS2
Dialling code	01851
Police	Northern
Fire	Highlands and Islands
Ambulance	Scottish
EU Parliament	Scotland
UK Parliament	Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Scottish Parliament	Western Isles
List of places: UK • Scotland •

Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas, pronounced [ʎɔː.əs̪], also Isle of Lewis) is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides (an archipelago) of Scotland. The total area of Lewis is 683 square miles (1,770 km²).^[1]

Lewis is, in general, the lower lying part of Lewis and Harris, with the other part, Harris, being more mountainous. The flatter, more fertile land means Lewis contains the largest settlement, Stornoway, and three-quarters of the population of the Western Isles. Beyond human habitation, the island's diverse habitats are home to an assortment of flora and fauna, such as the golden eagle, red deer and seals and are recognised in a number of conservation areas.

Lewis is of Presbyterian tradition with a rich history, having once been part of the Norse Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. Today, life is very different from elsewhere in Scotland with Sabbath observance, the Gaelic language and peat cutting retaining more importance than elsewhere. Lewis has a rich cultural heritage as can be seen from its myths and legends as well as the local literary and musical traditions.

Name[link]

Pronunciation
Scots Gaelic:	Eilean Leòdhais
Pronunciation:	[elan ˈʎɔːəʃ] ( listen)
Scots Gaelic:	Eilean an Fhraoich
Pronunciation:	[ˈelan ən̪ˠ rˠɯːç] ( listen)

The Gaelic name Leòdhas may be derived from Norse Ljoðahús ("song house"),^[2] although other origins have been suggested—most notably the Gaelic leogach ("marshy").^[3] It is probably the place referred to as Limnu by Ptolemy, which also means "marshy".^[4] It is also known as the "Isle of Lewis" (Gaelic: Eilean Leòdhais). Another name usually used in a cultural or poetic context is Eilean an Fhraoich, ("The Heather Isle").^[2] This name however refers to the whole of the island of Lewis and Harris.

History[link]

The first evidence of human habitation on Lewis is found in peat samples which indicate that about 8,000 years ago, much of the native woodland was torched to make way for grassland to allow deer to graze. The earliest archaeological remains date from about 5,000 years ago. At that time, people began to settle in permanent farms rather than following their herds. The small houses of these people have been found throughout the Western Isles, in particular, at Dail Mhor, Carloway.

Callanish Stones

The more striking great monuments of this period are the temples and communal burial cairns at places like Calanais.

About 500 BC, island society moved into the Iron Age. The buildings became larger and more prominent, culminating in the brochs – circular, dry-stone towers belonging to the local chieftains – testifying to the uncertain nature of life then. The best remaining example of a broch in Lewis is at Dun Charlabhaigh. The Scots are recorded as arriving from around 1AD, bringing the Gaelic language with them.^[5] As Christianity began to spread through the islands in the sixth and later centuries, following Columban missionaries, Lewis was inhabited by the Picts.^[5]

Two kings and two queens from the Lewis chessmen at the British Museum

In the 9th century AD, the Vikings began to settle on Lewis, after years of raiding from the sea. The Norse invaders intermarried with local families and abandoned their pagan beliefs. At this time, most buildings changed their forms from being round to rectangular, following the Scandinavian style. At this time, Lewis was part of the Kingdom of Mann and the Isles and officially part of Norway. The Lewis chessmen, which were found on the island in 1831, date from the time of Viking rule. The people were called the Gall-Ghaidheil, the ‘Foreigner Gaels', reflecting their mixed Scandinavian/Gaelic background, and probably their bilingual speech.^[6] The Norse language persists in many island placenames and some personal names to this day, although the latter are fairly evenly spread across Scottish Gaeldom.

Lewis (and the rest of the Western Isles) became part of Scotland once more in 1266 following the Treaty of Perth when it was ceded by the Kingdom of Norway. Under Scottish rule, the Lordship of the Isles emerged as the most important power in north-western Scotland by the 14th century. The Lords of the Isles were based on Islay, but controlled all of the Hebrides. They were descended from Somerled (Somhairle) Mac Gillibride, a Gall-Gaidheil lord who had held the Hebrides and West Coast two hundred years earlier. Control of Lewis itself was initially exercised by the Macleod clan but after years of feuding and open warfare between and even within local clans, the lands of Clan MacLeod were forfeited to the crown in 1597 and were awarded by King James VI to a group of Lowland colonists known as the Fife adventurers in an attempt to anglicise the islands. However the adventurers were unsuccessful and possession eventually passed to the Mackenzies of Kintail in 1609 when Coinneach, Lord MacKenzie, bought out the lowlanders.^[5]

Admiralty yacht HMS Iolaire (named as Amalthaea in 1908 photo).

Following the 1745 rebellion, and Prince Charles Edward Stewart's flight to France, the use of Gaelic was discouraged, rents were demanded in cash rather than kind, and the wearing of folk dress was made illegal. Emigration to the New World increasingly became an escape for those who could afford it during the latter half of the century. In 1844 Lewis was bought by Sir James Matheson, co-founder of Jardine Matheson, but subsequent famine and changing land use forced vast numbers off their lands, and increased again the flood of emigrants. Paradoxically, those who remained became ever more congested and impoverished, as large tracts of arable land were set aside for sheep, deer-stalking or grouse shooting. Agitation for land re-settlement became acute on Lewis during the economic slump of the 1880s, with several land raids (in common with Skye, Uist and Tiree); this quietened down as the island economy recovered.

During the First World War, thousands of islanders served in the forces, many losing their lives, including 208 naval reservists from the island who were returning home after the war when the Admiralty yacht HMY Iolaire, sank within sight of Stornoway harbour. Many servicemen from Lewis served in the Royal and Merchant Navy during the Second World War and again, many lives were lost. Following the war, many more inhabitants emigrated to the Americas and mainland Scotland.

In 1917 the Isle of Lewis was bought by the soap magnate Lord Leverhulme who intended to make Stornoway an industrial town and build a fish cannery. His plans were initially popular, but his opposition to land re-settlement led to further land raids especially around the farms of Coll, Gress and Tong. These raids, commemorated in monuments in several villages,^[5] were ultimately successful, as the government was prepared to take legal action in support of land re-settlement. Faced with this, Leverhulme gave up on his plans for Lewis and concentrated his efforts on Harris, where the town of Leverburgh takes his name.

Historical sites[link]

The Isle of Lewis has a variety of locations of historical and archaeological interest including:

• Callanish Stones;
• Dun Carloway Broch;
• Iron Age houses near Bostadh (Great Bernera);
• The Garenin Blackhouse Village in Carloway and the Black House at Arnol;
• Bragar whale bone arch;
• St. Columba's church in Aignish;
• Teampull Mholuaidh in Ness;
• Clach an Truiseil monolith;
• Clach Na Thursa, Carloway
• Bonnie Prince Charlie's Monument, Arnish;
• Lews Castle;
• Butt of Lewis cliffs and lighthouse;
• Dùn Èistean, a small island which is the ancestral home of the Lewis Morrisons.

There are also numerous 'lesser' stone circles and the remains of five further brochs.

Geography and geology[link]

Satellite photograph of Lewis and Harris

A cross-section of Lewis would see mostly sandy beaches backed by dunes and machair on the east coast, giving way to an expansive peat covered plateau in the centre of the island. The Atlantic coastline is markedly more rugged and is mostly rocky cliffs broken by small coves and beaches. The more fertile nature of the eastern side led to the majority of the population settling there, including the largest (and only) town, Stornoway. Aside from the village of Achmore in the centre of the island, all settlements are on the coast.^[7]

Looking towards the uplands in the centre of the Island of Lewis

Compared with Harris, Lewis is relatively flat, except in the south-west, where Mealisval, 574m (1,883 ft), is the highest point, and in the south-east, where Beinn Mhor reaches 572m (1,877 ft); but there are 16 high points exceeding 300 m (1000 ft) in height.^[8] Southern Lewis also has a large number of freshwater lochs compared to the north of the island.

South Lewis, Harris and North Uist collectively is a National Scenic Area, and there are 4 geographical Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on Lewis - Glen Valtos, Cnoc a' Chapuill, Port of Ness and Tolsta Head.^[9][10]

The coastline is severely indented into a number of large sea lochs, such as Lochs Resort and Seaforth which form part of the border with Harris, Loch Roag surrounding the island of Great Bernera and Loch Erisort. The principal capes are the Butt of Lewis, in the extreme north, with hundred foot (30 m) cliffs (the high point is 142 ft (43 m) high)^[11] and crowned with a lighthouse, the light of which is visible for 19 miles; Tolsta Head, Tiumpan Head and Cabag Head, on the east; Renish Point, in the extreme south; and, on the west, Toe Head and Gallon Head.^[12] The largest island associated with Lewis is Bernera or Great Bernera in the district of Uig and is linked to the mainland of Lewis by a bridge opened in 1953.

Geology[link]

Lewis is composed of gneiss rocks, excepting a patch of granite near Carloway, small bands of intrusive basalt at Gress and in Eye Peninsula and some sandstone at Stornoway, Tong, Vatisker and Carloway, originally thought to be Torridonian,^[12] now considered to probably be Permo-Triassic in age.^[13] Sedimentary rocks cover some low-lying areas around the Broad Bay area as well.^[7]

Climate[link]

Exposure to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream lead to a cool, moist climate on Lewis. There is little temperature difference between summer and winter, both of which are very cloudy, along with significant rainfall and frequent high winds, particularly during the autumn equinox. These winds have led to Lewis being designated a potential site for a significant wind-farm which has caused much controversy amongst the population.

Nature[link]

There are 15 Sites of Special Scientific Interest on Lewis in the biology category, spread across the island. Additionally, the Lewis Peatlands are recognised by Scottish Natural Heritage as a Special Protection Area, Special Area of Conservation and a Ramsar site, showing their importance as a wetland habitat for migratory and resident bird life.^[10]

Birds[link]

Many species of seabirds inhabit the coastal areas of Lewis, such as shag, gannets, fulmars, kittiwakes, guillemots, red grouse, woodcock and the ubiquitous gulls.

In the Uig hills, it is possible to spot golden eagles; it has also been claimed that white-tailed eagles have been seen in the area.^[14] In the Pairc area, it is possible to see feeding oyster catchers and curlews. A few pairs of peregrine falcons survive on coastal cliffs and merlin and buzzard are not uncommon anywhere on hill and moor. An important feature of the winter bird life is the great diversity of wildfowl. A variety of duck, such as eider and long-tailed are found in the shallow water around Lewis.^[15]

Marine life[link]

Atlantic salmon

Salmon frequent several Lewis rivers after crossing the Atlantic. Many of the fresh-water lochs are home to fish such as trout. Other freshwater fish present include arctic char, European eel, 3 and 9 spined sticklebacks, thick-lipped mullet and flounder.

Offshore, it is common to see seals, particularly in Stornoway harbour, and with luck, dolphins, porpoises, sharks and even the occasional whale can be encountered.

Land mammals[link]

There are only two native land mammals in the Western Isles, red deer and otter. The rabbit, blue hare, hedgehog, brown and black rat, feral cat, mink and polecat were introduced. The origin of mice and voles is uncertain.^[15]

American mink are another introduced species (escapees from fur farms) and cause problems for native ground-nesting birds, the local fishing industry and poultry farmers.^[16] Due to this impact and following a successful eradication^[17] of the species from the Uists and Barra, the second and ongoing phase of the Hebridean Mink Project aims to rid mink from Lewis and Harris in similar fashion.^[18]

There are claims that the Stornoway castle grounds are home to bats.^[19] In addition, there are farmed animals such as Hebridean sheep, Highland cattle or kyloe and a few pigs.

Reptiles and amphibians[link]

Damselfly near Valtos, Uig

In common with Ireland, no snakes inhabit Lewis,^[20] only the slow-worm which is merely mistaken for a snake. Actually a legless lizard, it is the sole member of its order present. The common frog may be found in the centre of the island^[20] though it, along with any newts or toads present are introduced species.^[15]

Insects[link]

The island's most famous insect resident is the Scottish midge which is ever-present near water at certain times of the year.

During the summer months, several species of butterflies and dragon flies can be found, especially outwith Stornoway.

The richness of insect life in Lewis is evident from the abundance of carnivorous plants that thrive in parts of the island.

Plant life[link]

Sundew near Valtos

The machair is noted for different species of orchid and associated vegetation such as various grasses. Three heathers; ling, bell heather and cross-leaved heather are predominant in the large areas of moorland vegetation which also holds large numbers of insectivorous plants such as sundews. The expanse of heather-covered moorland explains the name Eilean an Fhraoich, Gaelic for "The Heather Isle".^[21]

Lewis was once covered by woodland, but the only natural woods remaining are in small pockets on inland cliffs and on islands within lochs, away from fire and sheep. In recent years, Forestry Commission plantations of spruce and pine were planted, although most of the pines were destroyed by moth infestation. The most important mixed woods are those planted around Lews Castle in Stornoway, dating from the mid 19th century.^[22]

Politics and government[link]

Flag of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the only official flag for any part the Outer Hebrides.^[23]

Historically, while Harris was part of Inverness-shire, Lewis was part of Ross-shire or Ross and Cromarty. The Western Isles Islands Council was established in 1975. Now called Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, its remit covers the whole of the Outer Hebrides and its headquarters are in Stornoway.

Lewis is home to the majority of the Western Isles' electorate and six of the nine multi-member council wards are within Lewis and one is shared with Harris. 22 councillors are effectively elected by Lewis residents using the Single Transferable Vote system, and following the 2007 elections 19 are independents, one has Labour and two SNP party affiliation.^[24]

The Isle of Lewis is in the Highlands electoral region and is part of the identical Western Isles Scottish Parliamentiary and Na h-Eileanan an Iar Westminster constituencies, both currently represented by members of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and previously held by members of the Labour Party before the respective elections.

Current representatives[link]

• Scottish Parliament: Alasdair Allan MSP (SNP)
• British Parliament: Angus MacNeil MP (SNP)

Demographics[link]

Lewis' main settlement, the only burgh on the Outer Hebrides, is Stornoway (Steòrnabhagh), from which ferries sail to Ullapool on the Scottish mainland. In the 2001 census Lewis had a usually resident population of 18,489.

The island's settlements are on or near the coasts or sea lochs, being particularly concentrated on the north east coast. The interior of the island is a large area of moorland from which peat was traditionally cut as fuel, although this practice has become less common. The southern part of the island, adjoining Harris, is more mountainous with inland lochs.

Parishes and districts of Lewis[link]

• There are four parishes: Barvas (Barabhas), Lochs (Na Lochan), Stornoway (Steòrnabhagh), and Uig on which the original civil registration districts were based. The district of Carloway (after the village of that name) which hitherto had fallen partly within the parishes of Lochs and Uig, became a separate civil registration district in 1859 .
• The districts of Lewis are Ness (Nis), Carloway (Càrlabhagh), Back, Lochs (Na Lochan), Park (A' Phàirc), Point (An Rubha), Stornoway, and Uig. These designations are traditional and in use by the entire population.
• For civil registration purposes Lochs (Na Lochan) is nowadays split into North Lochs (Na Lochan a Tuath) and South Lochs (Na Lochan a Deas).
• The West Side is a generic designation for the area covering the villages from Borve to Shawbost (Siabost).

It is claimed that the site of the Stornoway War Memorial was chosen as it would be visible from at least one location in each of the four parishes; therefore, it may be possible to see all four parishes of Lewis from the top of the monument.^[25]

Settlements[link]

While Lewis has only one town, Stornoway, with a population of approx 8,000, there are also several large villages and groupings of villages on Lewis, such as North Tolsta, Carloway and Leurbost with significant populations. Near Stornoway, Laxdale, Sandwick and Holm, although still de-facto villages, have now become quasi-suburbs of Stornoway. The population of the greater-Stornoway area including these (and other) villages would be nearer 12,000. The island of Great Bernera contains the first planned crofting township created in the Outer Hebrides, Kirkibost created in 1805. This village was subsequently 'cleared' in 1823 and re-settled in 1878 using the exact land lotting divisions from 1805.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of villages in Lewis according to their location:

Economy[link]

Industry[link]

Arnish Industrial Estate

Traditional industries on Lewis are crofting, fishing and weaving. Though historically important, they are currently in decline and crofting in particular is little more than a subsistence venture today. Over 40% of the working population is employed by the public sector (chiefly Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the local authority; or NHS Western Isles). Tourism is the only growing commercial industry, bringing in over £45 million a year in revenue to the islands.

Despite the name the Harris tweed industry is today focused in Lewis with the major finishing mills in Shawbost and Stornoway. Every length of cloth produced is stamped with the official Orb symbol, trademarked by the Harris Tweed Association in 1909, when Harris Tweed was defined as "hand-spun, hand-woven and dyed by the crofters and cottars in the Outer Hebrides"; Machine-spinning and vat dyeing have since replaced hand methods, and only weaving is now conducted in the home, under the governance of the Harris Tweed Authority, established by an Act of Parliament in 1993. Harris Tweed is now defined as "hand woven by the islanders at their homes in the Outer Hebrides, finished in the islands of Harris, Lewis, North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist and Barra and their several purtenances (The Outer Hebrides) and made from pure virgin wool dyed and spun in the Outer Hebrides."^[26]

Aside from the concentration of industry and services in the Stornoway area many of the historical sites have associated visitor centres, shops or cafes.^[27] There is a pharmaceutical plant near Breasclete which specialises in fatty acid research.^[28]

The main fishing fleet (and associated shoreside services) in Stornoway is somewhat reduced from its heyday, but many smaller boats perform inshore creel fishing and operate from smaller, local harbours right around Lewis. Fish farms are present in many of the sea lochs and along with the onshore processing and transportation required the industry as a whole is a major employer.

Commerce[link]

Stornoway is the commercial centre of Lewis, there are several national chains with shops in the town, two national supermarket chains as well as numerous local businesses. Outwith Stornoway, many villages have an all-purpose shop (often combined with a post-office). Some villages have more than one, with these usually being specialist stores such as pharmacies or petrol stations. There are almost no rural public houses (for the sale of alcohol); instead, local hotels or inns function as meeting, eating and drinking places, often with accommodation provided. Recently, Abhainn Dearg Distillery at Carnish, UIg, on the Isle of Lewis is producing Scotch Whisky, the first legal whisky in over 200 years.

Itinerant, travelling shops also tour the island visiting some of the more remote locations. The ease of transport to Stornoway and the advent of the internet have led to many of the village shops closing in recent times. Mobile banking services are provided to remote villages by the Royal Bank of Scotland's travelling bank.

Transport[link]

Stornoway Airport, a former NATO base

MV Isle of Lewis

A daily Caledonian MacBrayne ferry (MV Isle of Lewis) sails from Stornoway to Ullapool on the Scottish mainland, taking 2 hours 40 minutes connecting Lewis with the mainland. There are an average of two return crossings a day, with an increase in frequency during summer months and a reduction during winter months. As ferry traffic has increased, a second ship (MV Muirneag) now provides a single early morning sailing to carry most of the island's freight lorries. Other ferries sailing from Harris are easily accessible by road enabling transport to Skye and Uist.

Suggestions for the possibility of an undersea tunnel linking Lewis to the Scottish mainland were raised in early 2007. One of the possible routes, between Stornoway and Ullapool, would be over 50 miles (80 km) long and hence become the longest road tunnel in the world;^[29][30] however, shorter routes would be possible.

Stornoway is the public transport hub of Lewis with bus service links to Point, Ness, Back and Tolsta, Uig, the West Side, Lochs and Tarbert, Harris. These services are provided by the local authority and several private operators as well as some community-run organisations.

Stornoway Airport is 2 miles (3.2 km) away from the town itself, and is located next to the village of Melbost. From here services operate to Aberdeen, Benbecula, Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow, with flights from Flybe franchisee Loganair, Eastern Airways and Highland Airways. The airport is also the base of a HM Coastguard Search & Rescue Sikorsky S-92 helicopter, and was previously home to RAF Stornoway.

Peats[link]

A peat stack in Ness

Peat is still cut as a fuel in many areas of Lewis. Peat is usually cut in late spring with a tool called a peat knife or tosg (sometimes toirsgian, or tairsgeir) which has a long wooden handle with an angled blade on one end. The peat bank is first cleared of heather turfs. The peat, now exposed, is cut using the peat knife and the peats thrown out on the bank to dry. A good peat cutter can cut 1000 peats in a day.^[31]

Once dried, the peats are carted to the croft and built into a large stack. These often resembled the shape of the croft house - broad, curved at each end and tapered to a point about 2 metres high. They varied in length from about 4 to 14 metres. Peat stacking also follows local customs and a well built peat stack can be a work of art. Peat stacks provide additional shelter to houses. A croft can burn as many as 15,000 - 18,000 peats in a year.^[31]

The odour of the peat-smoke, especially in winter time, can add to the general atmosphere of the island. While peat burning still goes on, there has been a significant decline in recent years as people move to other, less labour-intensive forms of heating; however, it remains an important symbol of island life. In 2008, with the large increase in the price (and theft) of LPG and heating oil, there are signs that there may be a return to peat cutting.

Religion[link]

St Columba's Church, Aignish, Isle of Lewis

Religion is important in Lewis, with much of the population belonging to the Free Church and Church of Scotland (both Presbyterian in tradition). The Sabbath is generally observed with most shops and licensed premises closed on that day, although there is a scheduled air service to mainland Scotland as well as a scheduled ferry service from 19 July 2009.^[32] While Presbyterianism dominates Lewis, other denominations and other religions have a presence with a Catholic church, a Salvation Army corps, a Pentecostal church (New Wine Church), a Brethren church, a Baptist church, a meetinghouse of the LDS Church and a Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall all present in Stornoway.

Education[link]

School education in Lewis is under the remit of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, there are a total of 23 schools covering the 5-18 age range.^[33] Unusual features are the prevalence of Gaelic medium education (offered in 15 of 22 primary schools)^[34] and the five 2-year secondary schools in communities outside Stornoway. Pupils who attend the rural 2-year secondaries then move to the Nicolson Institute, the only six-year secondary school on the island. The large number of village schools lead to necessarily small rolls, and further recent falls in pupil numbers have led to plans being drawn up for closures including all of the rural secondary departments.^[35] The closure plans have been deferred pending a full review,^[35] but upcoming changes to the curriculum (a change to a 3 year junior secondary structure) would seem to place the rural secondaries under threat of change if nothing else.

Stornoway is home to a small campus of the University of Stirling, teaching nursing, which is based in Ospadal nan Eilean (Western Isles Hospital). There is also a further education college, Lews Castle College, which is part of the UHI Millennium Institute. The college is the umbrella organisation for other vocational and community education, offered in several rural learning centres as well as on the main campus and covering subjects such as basic computer skills, Gaelic language classes and maritime qualifications.^[36]

Culture and sport[link]

Language[link]

Garenin Black House Village

Lewis has a linguistic heritage rooted in Gaelic and Old Norse, which both continue to influence life in Lewis. Today, both Gaelic and English are spoken in Lewis, but in day to day life, a hybrid of English and Gaelic (Highland English) is very common.^[37] As a result of the Gaelic influence, the Lewis accent is frequently considered to sound more Irish or Welsh than stereotypically Scottish in some quarters. The Gaelic culture in the Western Isles is more prominent than in any other part of Scotland. Gaelic is still the language of choice amongst many islanders and around 60% of islanders speak Gaelic, whilst 70% of the resident population have some knowledge of Gaelic (including reading, writing, speaking or a combination of the three). Most signposts on the islands are written in both English and Gàidhlig and much day-to-day business is carried out in the Gaelic language.^[38] Almost all of the Gaelic speakers are bilingual.

Most of the place names in Lewis and Harris come from Old Norse. The name "Lewis" is the English spelling of the Gaelic Leòdhas which comes from the Old Norse Ljóðhús, as Lewis is named in medieval Norwegian maps of the island. Various suggestions have been made as to a Norse meaning such as "song house". The name is not of Gaelic origin, the Norse credentials are questionable and it may have a pre-Celtic root.^[39][40]

Media and the arts[link]

As well as regularly playing host to the Royal National Mod, there are annual local mods. Stornoway Castle Green hosts the annual 3 day Hebridean Celtic Festival in July, attracting over 10,000 visitors. The festival includes events such as ceilidhs, dances and special concerts featuring storytelling, song and music with performers from all round the Isles and beyond.

The radio station Isles FM is based in Stornoway and broadcasts on 103FM, featuring a mixture of Gaelic and English programming. The town is also home to a studio operated by BBC Radio nan Gàidheal, and Studio Alba, an independent television studio from where the Gaelic TV channel TeleG was broadcast.

The Stornoway Gazette is the main local paper, covering Lewis and beyond and is published weekly. The Hebridean is a sister paper of the Gazette and also provides local coverage.^[41] Some community organisations in the rural districts have their own publications with news and features for these particular areas, such as the Rudhach for the Point district.^[42][43]

Lewis has been home to, or inspired, many writers, including bestselling contemporary author Kevin MacNeil, whose cult novel The Stornoway Way was set in the island's capital.

Sport[link]

There is a good provision of sporting grounds and sports centres in Lewis. Sports such as Football, Rugby union and Golf are popular.

• Football, which grew in popularity after the first World War, is the most popular amateur sport in Lewis with Goathill Park in Stornoway hosting special matches involving select teams and visiting clubs and other organisations. Local teams currently participate in the Lewis and Harris Football League.

• Shinty which was traditionally played in the island as in the rest of the Gaelic-speaking areas of Scotland, died out by the mid-20th Century at the latest. However, it was revived in the 1990s and there is now a strong local club known as Lewis Camanachd which competes in national competition.

• the village of Tong about 2 miles from Stornoway plays host to the Highland Games and the Western Isles Strongest man competition each summer.

• Attached to the Nicolson Institute School is the Ionad Spors Leòdhais (Lewis Sports Centre), an all-weather pitch and running track.

• The Lews Castle Grounds is the home of Stornoway Golf Club (the only 18-hole golf course in the Outer Hebrides).

• Angling is a very popular pastime in Lewis as there are several good lochs and rivers for fishing.

• As Lewis is an island, various water sports, such as surfing are popular activities.

• Lewis has a terrain very suited to hillwalking, particularly in Uig and near the border with Harris.

Myths and legends[link]

The Isle of Lewis has a rich folklore, including Seonaidh - a water-spirit who had to be offered ale in the area of Teampull Mholuaidh in Ness - and The Blue Men who inhabited the Minch, between Lewis and the Shiants.^[44]

Gastronomy[link]

• Each year, men from Ness go out to the island of Sula Sgeir in late August for two weeks to harvest young gannets known locally as Guga, which are a local delicacy.

People with Lewis connections[link]

• Sheilagh M. Kesting, first woman minister to be nominated to be Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland.
• Angus MacAskill, the strongest man to have ever lived - born in Berneray and briefly lived in Stornoway before emigrating to Canada.
• Murdo Stewart MacDonald from Great Bernera - Clipper Captain and Lloyds Surveyor of Shipping.
• Callum Macdonald from Great Bernera - Foremost publisher of Scottish poetry in the twentieth century
• John MacKay, anchorman of STV News at 6 Central
• Alexander MacKenzie, explorer, after whom the Mackenzie River in Canada is named
• Colin Mackenzie, 1st Surveyor-General of India
• Anne MacKenzie, BBC current affairs presenter and radio presenter
• Ken MacLeod, science fiction writer
• Ronnie MacKinnon, Of Carloway parentage - Played football for Glasgow Rangers and 28 times for Scotland, Now lives in Point
• Hans Matheson, plays the title role in Granada's £8.5m serialisation of Boris Pasternak's novel, Doctor Zhivago.
• Linda Norgrove, kidnapped by the Taliban in Afghanistan, and killed in rescue effort.
• Arthur Pink, Christian evangelist and Biblical scholar.
• Donald Stewart, politician and former leader of the Scottish National Party
• Donald Trump, American billionaire, whose mother came from Tong, a village 4 miles (6.4 km) from Stornoway.
• Derick Thomson, Scottish Gaelic poet, from Point, and educated in Stornoway.
• Alistair Darling, former Chancellor of the Exchequer and MP for Edinburgh Central has a house in the village of Breacleit, Bernera and is of Bernera parentage.
• Alyth McCormack, singer
• Alasdair White, musician (Fiddle, Whistle, Pipes, Bouzouki) plays with Battlefield Band
• Andy Gray, former footballer and Sky Sports pundit, his Grandmother hails from the village of Back.
• Cathy Macdonald, foremost presenter on BBC Alba television channel comes from Iarsiadar, Uig.
• Kevin MacNeil, novelist, poet and playwright

See also[link]

Notes[link]

References[link]

• Ballin Smith, Beverley; Taylor, Simon; and Williams, Gareth (2007) West over Sea: Studies in Scandinavian Sea-Borne Expansion and Settlement Before 1300. Leiden. Brill.
• Haswell-Smith, Hamish (2004). The Scottish Islands. Edinburgh: Canongate. ISBN 978-1-84195-454-7. 
• Iain Mac an Tàilleir (2003). "Placenames" (PDF). Pàrlamaid na h-Alba. http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/vli/language/gaelic/pdfs/placenamesA-B.pdf. Retrieved 23 July 2007. 
• Thompson, Francis (1968) Harris and Lewis, Outer Hebrides. Newton Abbot. David & Charles. ISBN 0-7153-4260-6

External links[link]

Find more about Isle of Lewis on Wikipedia's sister projects:
	Definitions and translations from Wiktionary
	Images and media from Commons
	Learning resources from Wikiversity
	News stories from Wikinews
	Quotations from Wikiquote
	Source texts from Wikisource
	Textbooks from Wikibooks

• Visitor's guide for the Island of Lewis
• hebrides.ca Home of the Quebec-Hebridean Scots who were cleared from Lewis to Quebec 1838-1920's
• Website of the Western Isles Council with links to other resources
• Panoramas of the Island (QuickTime required)
• Wind power dilemma for Lewis
• Disabled access to Lewis for residents and visitors
• 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica article on Lewis and Harris
• Dedicated Isle Of Lewis Chessmen Website

v t e Lewis and Harris / Leòdhas agus na Hearadh Outer Hebrides Scotland Inhabited islands Lewis/Leòdhas and Harris/Na Hearadh Great Bernera/Bearnaraigh Mòr Scalpay/Sgalpaigh Other islands Bayble Island Eilean Chaluim Chille Eilean Chearstaidh Eilean Liubhaird Eilean Mhealasta Ensay/Easaigh Fuaigh Beag Fuaigh Mòr Hermetray/Thearnatraigh Killegray/Ceileagraigh North Rona/Ronaigh a Tuath Pabbay of Harris/Pabaigh na Hearadh Pabaigh Mòr Scarp/An Sgairp Seaforth/Shìphiort Sgeotasaigh Soay Beag Soay Mòr Stockinish/Stocainis Sula Sgeir Taransay/Tarasaigh Vacsay/Bhacsaigh Settlements Stornoway/Steòrnabhagh Adabroc Aignish Aird An Rubha Ardroil Arnol Bail' Ùr Tholastaidh Baile an Truiseil Balallan/Baile Ailein Barvas/Barabhas Bayble/Pabail Borghastan Borsham Borgh na Hearadh Borgh na Leòdhas Bragar Branahuie Breacleit Breasclete/Brèascleit Breibhig Brenish/Bréanais Brue/Brù Cabharstadh Calbost Callanish/Calanais Carloway/Carlabhagh Coll Fivepenny/Còig Peighinnean Nis Flesherin/Fleisirin Garenin/Geàrrannan Garrabost Gravir/Grabhair Gress/Griais Habost/Tabost Holm Huisinis Leurbost/Liurbost Leverburgh/An t-Ob Lionel Lingerbay Marybank/Bruach Màiri Melbost Newvalley/An Gleann Ùr Ohagro Parkend Portnaguran/Port nan Giuran Portvoller/Port Mholair Rèinigeadal Rodel/Roghadal Shawbost/Siabost Skigersta/Sgiogarstaigh Shulishader/Sulaisiadar Tarbert/Tairbeart Timsgarry/Timsgearraidh Tong/Tunga Districts Back/Bac Ness/Nis North Lochs/Na Lochan a Tuath Park/Pairc Point/Eye Peninsula/An Rubha Uig West Side/Taobh Siar Geographical features Butt of Lewis/Rubha Robhanais Clisham/Cliseam The Minch/An Cuan Sgìth Eilean Glas Historical sites Callanish Stones Clach an Truiseil and Steinacleit Dun Carloway/Dùn Chàrlabhaigh Dùn Èistean Lews Castle St Clement's Church/Tur Chliamainn Teampull Mholuaidh

v t e Inhabited islands of the Hebrides Inner Hebrides Canna Coll Colonsay Danna Eigg Eilean Bàn Eilean Donan Eilean Shona Erraid Gigha Gometra Iona Islay Isle of Ewe Jura Kerrera Lismore Lunga Muck Mull Oronsay Raasay Sanday Scalpay Rona Rùm Skye Slate Islands Soay Summer Isles Tiree Ulva Outer Hebrides Baleshare Barra Benbecula Berneray Eriskay Flodaigh Fraoch-eilean Great Bernera Grimsay (North) Grimsay (South) Lewis and Harris North Uist Scalpay South Uist Vatersay

Leona Lewis
Lewis at the 2009 American Music Awards
Background information
Birth name	Leona Louise Lewis
Born	(1985-04-03) 3 April 1985 (age 27) Islington, London, England, UK
Genres	Pop, R&B
Occupations	Singer-songwriter, recording artist
Years active	2006–present
Labels	Syco, J, RCA
Website	leonalewismusic.co.uk

Leona Louise Lewis (born 3 April 1985) is a British singer and songwriter.^[1] Lewis came to prominence in 2006 when she won the third series of the British television series The X Factor.

Lewis has released two albums to date, Spirit and Echo, in 2007 and 2009 respectively. A multi-platinum selling artist and three-time Grammy Award nominee, her most successful single, "Bleeding Love", reached number one in over thirty countries around the world, and was the best-selling single worldwide in 2008.^[2] Other notable singles include "Better in Time", "Happy" and "I Got You". She was proclaimed 'Top New Artist' by Billboard magazine in 2008.

Lewis's debut tour, The Labyrinth, took place in 2010, and her third album, Glassheart, is scheduled for release in 2012. It was preceded by "Collide", a single from the album, which became her seventh top-five hit in the United Kingdom. Lewis's net worth was estimated at £12 million in April 2012.^[3]

Early life[link]

Lewis was born in the London Borough of Islington, to Aural Josiah "Joe" Lewis of Afro-Guyanese descent, and Maria Lewis of Welsh, Irish, and Italian descent.^[1][4][5] Her parents enrolled her at the Sylvia Young Theatre School. From there she attended the Italia Conti Academy and the BRIT School, where she learned to play instruments, such as the guitar and piano, in the hope of becoming a singer-songwriter.^[6][7] Lewis wrote her first full-length song at the age of 12.^[8] She initially trained in opera, but went on to singing jazz and blues, eventually leading to popular music, citing Minnie Riperton, Eva Cassidy and Stevie Wonder as her main influences.^[5] After leaving the BRIT School at 17, following a year abroad in Boston, Massachusetts in a transfer program,^[5] she took a number of jobs to fund studio time,^[9] recording a demo album called Twilight.^[10] The album, almost exclusively comprising her own compositions, was recorded under Spiral Music, a production company based in Fulham. "I tried to secure a record deal by doing things my own way. I worked very hard but I never managed to land a contract", said Lewis.^[11] Other demos were recorded under licence from UEG Entertainment, later included on an album called Best Kept Secret.^[12] None of Lewis's demos brought her significant attention, however, and she considered taking a hiatus from her music career to attend university. Then her boyfriend persuaded her to enter The X Factor which subsequently severed her connections with UEG.^[13]

Music career[link]

[edit] 2006: The X Factor

Lewis at the London premiere for Flushed Away, November 2006

Lewis auditioned for the third series of The X Factor in 2006, singing "Over the Rainbow". She was mentored by Simon Cowell and was announced the winner on 16 December 2006, winning a £1 million recording contract.^[14]

Her debut single, a cover of Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This", was released on CD on 20 December 2006, and was available as a digital download from midnight on 17 December. It broke a world record after it was downloaded 50,000 times in thirty minutes.^[15] On 24 December, "A Moment Like This" was crowned the 2006 UK Christmas number-one single, having sold 571,253 copies, outselling the rest of the Top 40's sales combined.^[16] The single became the most downloaded song in 2006; it stayed at No. 1 for four weeks and stayed at the top spot in the Irish Singles Chart for six weeks.^[17]

[edit] 2007–09: Spirit and international breakthrough

In February 2007 Lewis signed a £5 million (US$9.7 million) five-album contract in the United States with Clive Davis's record label, J Records,^[18] and showcased for several American music executives.^[18][19][20] A press release described how Cowell and Davis would work together in a "first-of-its-kind" partnership on both the song and producer selection for Lewis's debut album, entitled Spirit.^[21] Lewis recorded tracks for the album in London, Miami, Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta,^[22] where she worked with several songwriters and record producers including Dallas Austin, Walter Afanasieff, Salaam Remi,^[23] Steve Mac,^[24] Stargate^[25] and Ne-Yo.^[26] It was released in November 2007 and entered both the Irish Albums Chart and the UK Albums Chart at number one, becoming the fastest-selling debut album in both countries, and the United Kingdom's fourth fastest selling album of all time.^[27][28][29] It was released in several other nations in January 2008, and went to number one in New Zealand, Australia, Austria, Germany, South Africa and Switzerland.^[30] Two more tracks were recorded in 2008 for the US release of the album: "Forgive Me", produced by Akon, and "Misses Glass", produced by Madd Scientist.^[31] It was released in the United States in April 2008 and entered the Billboard 200 at No. 1, making Lewis the first British artist to reach number one with a debut album.^[32] A special edition of Spirit was re-released in November 2008 in Europe, including the songs "Forgive Me", "Misses Glass" and a cover of the Snow Patrol song "Run". The album again went to number one in the UK Albums Chart. To date the album has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide^[33] and has a 9× platinum certification in the UK.^[34]

Lewis performing at the Clive Davis Pre Grammy Gala in 2009

Lewis's second single, "Bleeding Love", produced by Ryan Tedder and written by Tedder and Jesse McCartney, was released in October 2007 in the UK, where it sold 218,805 copies in its first week, giving it the biggest first-week sales of 2007 to date.^[35][36] It entered the UK Singles Chart at number one, where it stayed for seven weeks,^[37] and in the Irish Singles Chart it remained at number one for eight weeks.^[38] It reached number one in the singles charts of New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Belgium, The Netherlands, Austria, Canada and the United States. "Bleeding Love" won The Record of the Year in December 2007.^[39] In February 2008, "Bleeding Love" entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 85 and then went on to peak at number one for four non-consecutive weeks. The song became the first track by a UK female to reach number one since Kim Wilde's "You Keep Me Hangin' On" in 1987.^[40] Lewis's third single, a double A-side featuring "Better in Time" and "Footprints in the Sand", was released in the United Kingdom in March 2008, in aid of Sport Relief, and she visited South Africa for the charity.^[41] The single reached a peak of number two in the UK singles chart selling over 40,000 copies in its first week of physical release. "Better in Time" was released as Lewis's second single in the US, where it peaked at number 11 in the Billboard Hot 100.^[42] "Forgive Me" was released as Lewis's fifth single in November 2008; it reached number five in the UK.^[43] "Run" was released as a download-only single in the UK, reaching number one, and becoming the UK's fastest-selling download-only single with 69,244 copies sold in two days.^[44] Lewis's last single from Spirit, "I Will Be", was released in January 2009,^[45] only in North America; it peaked at number 66 on the Billboard Hot 100. In August 2008, she performed "Whole Lotta Love" with guitarist Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin at the 2008 Summer Olympics closing ceremony in Beijing, representing the handover to London as the host of the 2012 Summer Olympics.^[46] In September 2008, she joined several female singers to perform a single for the anti-cancer campaign Stand Up to Cancer. The single, titled "Just Stand Up!", was performed live during the one-hour telethon that aired on all major US television networks.^[47] Lewis received three nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards in December 2008. "Bleeding Love" was nominated for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Spirit was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album. She was nominated for four BRIT Awards, in the categories British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, British Album for Spirit, and British Single for "Bleeding Love",^[48] but despite being the favourite to win the most awards, she received none.^[49] She won two awards at the 2008 MOBO Awards: Best Album for Spirit and Best Video for "Bleeding Love".^[50] In December 2008 Lewis was named 'Top New Artist' by Billboard magazine.^[51]

[edit] 2009–10: Echo and The Labyrinth

Lewis performing on The Labyrinth tour in 2010

Lewis's second album, Echo, was given a worldwide release in November 2009.^[52] Production took place throughout 2009, including work with Ryan Tedder,^[53] Justin Timberlake,^[54] Max Martin,^[55] Arnthor Birgisson,^[56] Kevin Rudolf,^[57] and John Shanks.^[58] It was recorded in Los Angeles and took nine months to produce.^[59] Lewis described the album as "more guitar-driven" compared to Spirit.^[60] Lewis performed her first full UK show at the Hackney Empire in London on 2 November 2009, performing songs from Spirit and Echo.^[61][62] Echo reached number one in the UK Albums Chart and the top ten of Austria, Ireland and Switzerland.^[63] Despite previous attempts from Lewis's lawyers to ban the release of Best Kept Secret by UEG Music, claiming that the singer had not given her consent, the album was released in January 2009 when the label insisted it owned the rights to the music and Lewis would receive a 50% share of the album's profits. However, a television advert for the album was banned by the Advertising Standards Authority, who said in a statement: "We considered that the claim 'Leona Lewis's new album' misleadingly implied it was the singer's latest recording rather than a new CD of tracks recorded some years ago."^[64] The album was released to iTunes in standard and deluxe editions, and two EPs, "Private Party" and "Dip Down"/"Joy", were released in September 2009. The first single released from Echo was "Happy", which was written by Lewis, Tedder and Evan Bogart and produced by Tedder.^[65] The single was released on 15 September 2009,^[66][67] peaking at number two in the UK,^[68] and reaching the top ten in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Japan and Switzerland.^[69] Lewis also recorded the theme song for the 2009 science fiction film Avatar, directed by James Cameron.^[70] The song, "I See You (Theme from Avatar)", was written by James Horner and Simon Franglen. It was nominated for Best Original Song at the 67th Golden Globe Awards.^[71] In January 2010, Lewis provided vocals on a cover of "Everybody Hurts", released to help raise money for victims of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.^[72] The second single from Echo, "I Got You", was released in February 2010. The song "My Hands" was used as the theme song for Final Fantasy XIII^[73] In April 2010, she featured on a duet with Italian singer Biagio Antonacci, called "Inaspettata (Unexpected)", from his album Inaspettata.^[74] They performed the song on the Italian TV show Io Canto on 22 October 2010.^[75] Lewis performed a 13-piece set list at the Rock in Rio festival in Lisbon, Portugal, on 22 May 2010, including songs from Spirit and Echo.^[76] Her first tour, titled The Labyrinth^[77] supporting Spirit and Echo, started in May 2010,^[78] with a theme based on the film Labyrinth.^[79] Lewis was scheduled to tour North America from July to August 2010 supporting Christina Aguilera's Bionic Tour,^[80] however, Aguilera cancelled the tour, leaving Lewis's plans unknown.^[81] A DVD of the tour, along with a ten-track CD, was released with the title The Labyrinth Tour Live from The O2 on 29 November 2010.^[82]

[edit] 2010–present: Hurt and Glassheart

Lewis began work on her third album shortly after she had completed The Labyrinth tour.^[83] She suggested the album would be "a bit different from what people have heard" from her before, adding that she planned to "go in and create and just see what happens".^[84] Lewis later described the album as "more progressive", "more eclectic", "more uptempo" and "a bit darker".^[85] Reports suggested that the album had taken a dubstep direction, with songwriters asked to submit dance songs and no ballads.^[86] It was also reported that Simon Cowell had set a deadline for the album for a summer 2011 release.^[87] On 25 May 2011, Lewis was named as an ambassador for BBC Radio 1's Hackney Weekend 2012, the BBC's biggest ever free-ticketed live music event, and one of the artists confirmed to be performing at the event, which will take place on 23 and 24 June 2012.^[88][89] Following the announcement, she performed a special Live Lounge at the Hackney Empire, with a reggae version of "Better in Time", which incorporated Rihanna's "Man Down", and a cover of Labrinth's "Let the Sun Shine".^[90][91] In June 2011, when asked about the upcoming album, Lewis described it as "energetic, deep, [and] unique". She also commented that it would have a darker tone and that she would be putting her "heart into [her] lyrics". She cited Tracy Chapman, Kate Bush and Tears for Fears as the album's primary influences.^[92]

On 14 July 2011, it was confirmed that "Collide" would be the first track to be taken from Lewis's third studio album, Glassheart. The dance-pop anthem, written by Autumn Rowe and produced by Sandy Vee, had its first UK radio play on The Scott Mills Show on BBC Radio 1 on 15 July 2011. It was released in the UK on 4 September 2011 and Germany on 9 September 2011.^[93][94][95] The single courted controversy after it was plagiarised from Swedish musician Avicii's 2010 song "Penguin".^[96] Berg took the case to the British High Court.^[97][98] Collide debuted on the official UK top 40 singles chart at number 4.

For the album, Lewis has worked with numerous writers and producers including: Ammo, Jonas Quant, Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly, Ryan Tedder, Fraser T. Smith, Al Shux, Steve Robson,^[95] Dallas Austin,^[87] Rico Love^[99] and Ne-Yo.^[100] In May 2011, it was reported that Lewis had recorded a track called "Trouble" written by Emeli Sandé and Naughty Boy. Lewis also recorded a track called "Mountains" written by Sandé, Naughty Boy and Blazin' Squad members Flava (James Murray) and Mus (Mustafa Omer).^[99][101] It has been confirmed that the album is entitled Glassheart. Though originally announced to be released on 28 November in the UK, it has since been announced that the album will be released on 26 March 2012. However, it was later announced in January 2012 that the album would be delayed again to the 26 November 2012.^[102]

On 7 October, RCA Music Group announced it was disbanding J Records along with Arista Records and Jive Records. With the shutdown, Lewis (and all other artists previously signed to these three labels) will release her future material (including Glassheart) on the RCA Records brand.^[103][104]

On 29 October, Lewis performed as the featured performer for the closing of the 2011 Doha Film Festival, where she sang a setlist of ten songs, including 'Collide' and covers of OneRepublic's Apologize, Seal's Kiss from a Rose and Boney M's Rivers Of Babylon.^[105]

Before the release of Glassheart, Lewis released an EP on 9 December 2011, entitled Hurt: The EP, containing three covers as a holiday gift for her fans.^[106] On 22 December, Lewis performed a version of Snow Patrol's "Run" at the season finale of the U.S. X Factor.^[107][108] It was announced on 25 January 2012 that the album would be delayed again until late November 2012.^[109]

Artistry[link]

Voice[link]

A mezzo-soprano,^[110][111] Lewis is often compared with other singers such as Celine Dion, Whitney Houston^[112] and Mariah Carey.^[113] Lewis is also known to sing opera, stating that she practises operatic scales every week.^[112] Music critic Neil McCormick, of The Daily Telegraph, has praised Lewis's technical skills, writing, "Her mezzo-soprano range allows her to take melodies from luxurious low notes to high-flying falsetto, gliding with elegant power and impressive control through all kinds of fluctuations and modulations."^[110] Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic adds, "Lewis can hit [high belted] notes but make it seem easy, never straining her voice and building nicely to the climax."^[114] In the same vein, Slant describes Lewis's vocals as "technically unimpeachable".^[115]

Influences[link]

Lewis credits Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston as her major influences. She said, "when I was growing up I used to listen to Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, those kind of big powerful kind of singers so that influences a lot my music and a lot of the songs I like to sing."^[116]

Other activities[link]

In October 2008, The Times reported that Lewis had turned down a seven-figure sum from Mohamed Al Fayed to open a Harrods sale. Lewis commented in the press that she turned down the deal on the grounds that Harrods is the only UK department store which continues to stock clothing made from animal fur.^[117] "It wasn't a million pounds that I was offered, as the papers reported, but even if it had been, I still would have turned it down."^[118] "I got a lot of flak for that. There were people who said I should have done it and given the money to charity, but that would have been such a contradiction."^[119] She announced in October 2008 that she was in the "bargaining period" of launching her own ethical line of accessories through Topshop,^[5][117] and that she was in the late stages of releasing her own perfume for Europe.^[120] Her perfume, Leona Lewis, was launched by LR in July 2009.^[121] In 2010, she set up a fashion company with her then boyfriend, Lou Al-Chamaa, called LOA Clothing Ltd.^[122]

Lewis signed a book deal in January 2009 to release an illustrated autobiography in October 2009. The book, entitled Dreams, contains mostly pictures taken by photographer Dean Freeman.^[123] In May 2012, Lewis returned to The X Factor as a guest judge during auditions in London for the ninth series.^[124]

Personal life[link]

Lewis lives in Hackney. She lived with her boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa, former electrician turned A&R scout for Sony records, until their split in June 2010.^[125] Lewis and Al-Chamaa knew each other since she was approximately ten years old.^[126] A vegetarian since she was 12,^[23] Lewis won PETA's Sexiest Vegetarian along with Red Hot Chili Peppers frontman Anthony Kiedis in 2008,^[127] and Europe's Sexiest Vegetarian in 2009 with actor Scott Maslen.^[128] She also was named PETA's Person Of The Year for 2008.^[129] Lewis is a supporter of the World Society for the Protection of Animals^[130] and is a patron of Brentwood's Hopefield Animal Sanctuary.^[131]

Wikinews has related news: Leona Lewis assaulted at book signing in London, England Man charged with assaulting British singer Leona Lewis

At a book signing for Dreams on 14 October 2009 at the Piccadilly branch of Waterstone's book store in central London, Lewis was assaulted by a 29-year-old man from south London^[132][133] who was arrested at the scene;^[133] Lewis suffered bruising.^[134] The assailant was sectioned under the Mental Health Act^[133] and was charged with common assault,^[134] He admitted to the offence and was hospitalised for an indeterminate period.^[135]

Discography[link]

Albums

• 2007: Spirit
• 2009: Echo
• 2012: Glassheart

Tours[link]

• 2010: The Labyrinth

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]