Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is seeking community input to develop proposals for the future management of the Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis with the aim of enhancing economic, community, and conservation benefits.
Members of the community can attend local drop-in sessions in Breasclete and Stornoway on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 May. These sessions will provide an opportunity for community members to share their perspectives and insights. HES staff will also be available to answer any questions and provide additional information about the proposals for Calanais.
Sian Evans, Regional Visitor and Community Manager for North Region at HES, said: “Calanais Standing Stones hold a special place in the heart of the community, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Outer Hebrides. As custodians of this important site, it is our responsibility to help ensure its sustainable management for generations to come.”
“To achieve this, we are considering adjustments to access and charging arrangements. These changes aim to strike a balance between preserving the integrity of the site, supporting local business and jobs, and working closely with the community.”
Proposals for introducing an entry fee include a plan to reinvest a portion of the generated revenue in heritage projects and organizations across the Outer Hebrides. HES is collaborating with Urras nan Tursachan (UnT) to support their plans to upgrade the visitor centre at the site.
The objective is to improve the visitor experience and introduce conservation measures to address the current erosion challenges and safeguard the site’s integrity. The proposed entry fee would not apply to locals, and HES and UnT are exploring ways to enable the community to continue enjoying their local heritage site.
An online consultation will be launched later this summer to gather opinions from a wider audience and those unable to attend in-person sessions. The feedback collected from both the online survey and in-person sessions will be carefully reviewed and used to advance the site’s plans.
The drop-in sessions will be held at Breasclete Community Centre on Monday 13 May, 3.30pm to 7pm, and at Stornoway Town Hall on Tuesday 14 May, 2pm to 5pm.
