Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is asking the public to share their opinions on plans to implement an entry fee and make potential changes to access at Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis.
HES stated that the aim of these proposals is to improve economic, community, and conservation benefits for the local community and the broader Outer Hebrides.
Sian Evans, Regional Visitor and Community Manager for North Region at HES, commented on the consultation:
“The Calanais Standing Stones are synonymous with the Outer Hebrides, embodying thousands of years of history and culture. With increased visitor footfall and the challenges presented by factors such as climate change, we must take action to ensure the stones are adequately protected to stand on this site for at least another 5000 years. Our goal is to ensure our proposals also enhance the site’s value to both the community and visitors. We encourage everyone with an interest, relationship or connection to this iconic site participate in this consultation to help shape its future.”
HES is collaborating closely with Urras nan Tursachan (UnT) to support their plans to revamp the visitor centre at the site. The goal is to improve the visitor experience and combine access to the site with enhanced interpretation and information available at the visitor centre, all covered by a single entrance fee.
HES will reinvest its share of the fee into the site to support additional sustainable conservation measures addressing current erosion challenges and safeguarding the integrity of the Calanais Standing Stones. Importantly, local residents will not have to pay the entry charge, and HES and UnT are exploring options to ensure that the community can continue to enjoy their local heritage site for free.
The public consultation is now open and will close on 31 October 2024.
