Entry fee introduced to protect 5,000 years of history at Calanais Standing Stones

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has received ministerial approval to introduce an admission charge at Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis. The introduction of an entry fee will support the long-term sustainable future of the monument, an enhanced visitor experience, and help care for heritage across the Outer Hebrides.  

This new model unites the Calanais Standing Stones and Visitor Centre, creating a world-class experience that brings to life over 5,000 years of history. This model is possible through a collaboration between HES and Urras nan Tursachan (UnT). HES will continue to manage, conserve and care for the Stones while UnT, an independent not-for-profit charity, will operate the redeveloped Visitor Centre at the site. 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. Feedback on proposals was used to further develop plans and final proposals were submitted to Scottish Government for approval earlier this year.  

The introduction of a single, joint admission charge will deliver three core outcomes:  

• Create new jobs, enhance the visitor experience, and provide a new contemporary exhibition through the redeveloped Visitor Centre. 
• Allow work to support the long-term sustainable future of the site through conservation and visitor management, as well as helping to counter the increasing effects of a changing climate on the Stones.  
• Create a new Fund for Heritage to provide grants and support for community-led heritage projects and education across the Outer Hebrides.  

HES received a wide range of feedback during the public consultation (425 responses, 46% from Outer Hebrides postcodes) which helped shape final plans to address key concerns and reflect community priorities. In particular, HES and UnT will maintain free access for local residents so they can continue to enjoy their local heritage.  

Responses to the consultation also highlighted the need to provide access to the stones for a number of groups and individuals who visit for spiritual purposes. To address this, a process will be established to consider requests for cultural or spiritual visits.  

“We know how special Calanais is to the people of Lewis and to visitors from across the world,” said Katey Boal, Head of North Region at HES. “Our plans will help enhance the visitor experience and allow us to invest in the wider cultural and economic future of the Outer Hebrides.

Introducing an admission charge will help to protect and conserve the monument for future generations.  

“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. By working closely with Urras nan Tursachan, we can create a world-class visitor experience that supports conservation, the local community, and heritage projects across the Outer Hebrides.”  

Ian Fordham, Chairman at Urras nan Tursachan, said:

“For nearly three decades, Urras nan Tursachan has been dedicated to celebrating Calanais for the people of the Hebrides and visitors from around the world.  

“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 final ticket prices and details of resident access will be developed and published in due course.  

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