Calanais Standing Stones to introduce admission fee

Historic Environment Scotland has received ministerial approval to introduce an admission charge at Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, marking a shift in the funding model for the Neolithic monument.

The entry fee, which will not apply for local residents, has been introduced to raise finances for conservation of the site, enhance visitor experience and deliver community benefits.

The model represents a collaboration between HES and Urras nan Tursachan, an independent not-for-profit charity which will operate the finalised £10m redeveloped visitor centre at the site.

HES will continue to manage, conserve and care for the stones, whilst UnT operates the visitor centre. Plans to develop an integrated approach and improve the visitor experience have been in discussion over the past few years, leading to a public consultation in 2024.

The public consultation received 425 responses, with 46% from Outer Hebrides postcodes. Feedback was used to develop final proposals which were submitted to Scottish Government for approval earlier this year.

A process is to be established to consider requests for cultural or spiritual visits.

Our approach balances the need to protect one of Europe’s most significant prehistoric monuments while ensuring local residents can continue to enjoy free access to their local heritage,” Said Katey Boal, Head of North Region at HES.

Ian Fordham, chairman at Urras nan Tursachan, added: “This next chapter – working in collaboration with HES – builds on the £10m investment we have secured for the redevelopment of the visitor centre and will support the conservation of the Standing Stones, create economic value for the trust and the community and help manage the increasing number of visitors to the site.”

Detailed information on ticket prices and resident access details is yet to be published.