Local community invited to have their say on plans for heritage site

In a bid to enhance economic, community, and conservation benefits, HES is asking for community input to help develop proposals for the future management of Calanais Standing Stones. Members of the community are invited to local drop-in sessions in Breasclete and Stornoway on Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 May. These sessions will offer a chance for community members to contribute their perspectives and insights, as well as find out more from HES staff 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.

Built into the core of proposals is an intention for a portion of the revenue generated from introducing an entry fee to be reinvested back to support heritage projects and bodies across the Outer Hebrides.

HES are working closely with Urras nan Tursachan (UnT) in support of their plans to upgrade the visitor centre at the site. Together, the organisations aim to enhance the visitor experience and introduce conservation measures which tackle and mitigate current erosion challenges to help protect the integrity of the site.

Proposals to introduce an entry charge would not apply to locals, with HES and UnT looking at options to create a system that will allow the community to continue to enjoy their local heritage site.

A wider online consultation will launch later this summer to collect views and opinions from further afield and from those unable to attend. The feedback received through the in-person sessions will be collected and collated with the online survey responses to be carefully reviewed and used to progress plans for the site.

Drop-in sessions:

Breasclete Community Centre: Upstairs meeting room, Monday 13 May, 3.30pm to 7pm

Stornoway Town Hall: Tuesday 14 May, 2pm to 5pm

We're the lead body for Scotland’s historic environment, a charity dedicated to the advancement of heritage, culture, education and environmental protection. We are at the forefront of researching and understanding the historic environment and addressing the impacts of climate change on its future. Across Scotland, we investigate and record architectural and archaeological sites and landscapes and care for more than 300 properties of national importance. HES is also working with sector partners to deliver Scotland's strategy for the historic environment, Our Past, Our Future.

Historic Scotland, trove.scot, The National Collection of Aerial Photography (NCAP), The Engine Shed, Stirling Castle, Edinburgh Castle and Stòr are sub-brands of HES.

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