Construction of an expanded cafe and visitor centre at the Calanais Standing Stones is underway with confirmation of funding.
Funding of £10 million has been secured for the overall project with building works commanding a sizable amount of the investment.
Lewis Builders have been appointed to carry out the major project which is expected to take 14 months.
The café and tourism facility has become a victim of its own success as tourists
pour in during the peak summer months while touring the giant megaliths - next in
importance to Stonehenge - at the Western Isles' most famous landmark.
Visitor numbers at the neighbouring standing stones are predicted to rise from around 150,000 at present to 200,000 by 2030, driven by a spike of cruise liner passengers from the new deep water port in Stornoway in addition to a projected rise in in leisure tourism.
More space for its tens of thousands of visitors will be created through the proposed revamp with a ripple effect in creating jobs, helping stem depopulation. Local food, arts and crafts suppliers can showcase their goods to a wider audience.
The charity running the centre proposes to allocate a proportion of its revenue to a heritage fund to support projects throughout the islands.
The plan is to upgrade and extend the existing building, incorporating the former farmhouse building in front of the centre.
A larger upgraded café with 60 seats with stunning views across Loch Roag, shop and exhibition areas will be provided.
A new function suite for up to 60 customers will be added to the south of the existing building.
In addition, a new plant room, bin store and detached public convenience building is included in the plans.
The existing car park, bus drop-off and lay-over bays and the access road will be
remodelled.
The development will connect a number of existing buildings of varying age and form.
Remarkable increases in visitor numbers over the years underlines the need for more space.
Annual upward trends dominate future forecasts with a 25% rise estimated within six years, from 150,000 at present to 210,000 in 2030.
Ian Fordham, chair of Urras nan Tursachan, said: “The redevelopment of the Calanais
Visitor Centre has been a long-held ambition of the trust and the local community,
and today is the culmination of over a decade of hard work by team members past and
present, and numerous volunteer directors. I’d like to thank everyone involved for
their tenacity and resilience in delivering this major step forward.”
Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes, said: “The redevelopment of Calanais Visitor Centre will create a star attraction at the heart of the Outer Hebrides, welcoming visitors from around the world, driving growth and creating new opportunities for local communities.
“Building work has recently started to revitalise the centre, supported by over £4 million from the Scottish Government as part of our commitment to the Islands Growth Deal and wider regeneration. This will be a valuable addition to the tourism and cultural offering in the Outer Hebrides.”
Kenny MacLennan, chair of community land owned estate Urras Oighreachd Charlabhaigh, hailed the “exciting” project which promises to deliver “significant” benefits.
“The current centre has been an integral part of this community for the past 30 years
and this is now a huge milestone as the proposed re-development project moves forward.
“The community here are fully supportive of the project and are looking forward to
the long-term benefits that will come in the form of job opportunities and an enhanced
visitor experience. We are looking forward to seeing the works progressing and having
a state-of-the-art visitor centre.”
Funding comes from a mix of sources, including £4.1 million from the Scottish and UK governments through the Islands Growth Deal, with each government contributing £2 million. Further major support comes with £3 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £2 million from the Scottish Government through its Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. Key local funding and support has also come through Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
Major revamp for Calanais Visitor Centre underway after £10 million investment confirmed
17 July 2024
