Multi-million pound investment to transform Callanish Standing Stones attraction in the Western Isles

July 21, 2024

1 minute read

A multi-million-pound investment is set to transform a world-renowned visitor centre in the Western Isles.

Callanish Visitor Centre, home to the iconic Callanish Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, has secured more than £10m.

Erected 5,000 years ago, the stones are an ancient beauty steeped in mystery. As one of Scotland’s most important historical sites, thousands of visitors from all over the world visit the landmark each year.

With visitor numbers at the Neolithic site predicted to rise from around 150,000 at present to 200,000 by 2030, it’s hoped the multi-million-pound investment will transform the tourist experience at the famous landmark.

Kenny MacLennan, director of Urras nan Tursachan, said: ‘‘The centre that we have had over the last 30 years has been a huge benefit with regards to jobs, and especially summer jobs, but now with the new centre we hope to expand that provision.

“We hope to have quality jobs here that can offer job progression.”

Construction is now underway to revamp the existing centre, which will include a larger upgraded café with sixty seats with views across Loch Roag.

A new function suite for up to 60 customers will be added to the south of the existing building.

The existing car park, bus drop-off and lay-over bays and the access road will also be remodelled to accommodate the rise in visiting numbers.

Deputy first minister Kate Forbes said: ‘‘We are delighted to be supporting the redevelopment of the Callanish Visitor Centre. It’s somewhere I have been before, it’s a huge asset to the Western Isles.

Thousands of visitors go there every year, and it will help to promote Gaelic, promote local culture and create jobs as well.”

The redevelopment of the popular centre has been a long-term ambition of the local community.

It’s now hoped one Scotland’s best-known neolithic sites will be transformed into a multi-million pound five-star attraction