National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £250,000 to £5million
Five thousand years ago ancient Hebrideans erected the Calanais Stones on the Isle of Lewis. Now they attract ever increasing numbers of visitors from around the world.
We've awarded a grant of nearly £3million to support major improvements at the Calanais Stones totalling £10m, including:
- a larger visitor centre
- better parking and access
- enhanced interpretation of the site and its heritage
- an extensive engagement programme for local communities and visitors
- staff roles including two Engagement Officers and the new role of Heritage Manager
Our support will ensure Urras nan Tursachan (The Calanais Stones Trust) has a strong focus on community and visitor engagement throughout their project. Their activity programme will make full use of the visitor centre's improved facilities to entertain, educate and inspire people of all ages and celebrate the community’s pride in its heritage.
Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: “For thousands of years the Calanais Stones have had an important place in the heritage of the community; it is important to us that this investment recognises and celebrates that. In addition to helping deliver the modern, more sustainable facilities on site and improving the visitor experience, our support will help ensure a focus on community benefits from this investment.
“Community engagement will include activities for schools, families, special interest groups and more. The project will also focus on how the site can contribute to natural heritage, supporting the local environment and biodiversity.”
