Obbe (Leverburgh), Lewis, Ross-shire, 1920s

In 1900, the houses in the village of Obbe were traditional black houses, rubble-built and one-storeyed. with thatched roofs. In 1920 Lord Leverhulme, the owner of Harris, decided to develop Obbe into a fishing centre with a harbour, and fish-curing and kippering equipment. He changed its name to Leverburgh and had houses and a harbour built. At the time of his death in 1925 six houses were finished, eight were half-finished and eight had been begun. The 1920s view shows the simple modern construction of the houses, which are timber-built, in Scandinavian style.

As a result of Lord leverhulme's death, Leverburgh never developed as a fishing centre but the village remains.

Leverhulme made his fortune in Lever Brothers, soap and edible oil manufacturers. He was a philanthropist, with a belief that he could apply his fortune and business ability to improve the lot of the people of the Outer Isles. He proved over-optimistic.

©SCRAN/National Museums of Scotland, 1900 Obbe (Leverburgh) 1900 ©SCRAN/RCAHMS Leverburgh housing, 1920s