Urras nan Tursachan Welcomes Historic Environment Scotland’s New Charging Model

Urras nan Tursachan (The Standing Stone Trust) Welcomes Historic Environment Scotland’s New Charging Model to Support the Future of the Calanais Standing Stones 

Urras nan Tursachan a’ cur fàilte air Modail Ùr Chìsean-inntrigidh aig Àrainneachd Eachdraidheil Alba gus taic a thoirt dha Seasmhachd Tursachan Chalanais. 

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced approval from Scottish Ministers to introduce an entry charge for visitors to the world-renowned Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis. The introduction of an entry fee is designed to support the long-term sustainability of the Calanais Stones and Visitor Centre, while ensuring local residents continue to enjoy free access. It will also generate new investment for culture and heritage initiatives across the Outer Hebrides. 
Urras nan Tursachan (The Standing Stone Trust), owners and operators of the Calanais Visitor Centre, has welcomed the announcement, which represents a major milestone in the £10.1 million Calanais 2025 transformation project. This ambitious, community-led initiative will help support the future of the Stones while creating a world-class, sustainable visitor experience. 

Preserving a Monument of International Significance 

Following extensive consultation, the new charging model will help support the long-term conservation of the site while enhancing the visitor experience. Revenue from admissions will help support the ongoing care and management of the Stones and surrounding landscape by HES. 
A portion of proceeds will also establish a dedicated Fund for Heritage, aimed at supporting the Outer Hebrides’ economy, education, and community by funding research and projects that deepen understanding and appreciation of the region’s history and heritage. 
For nearly 30 years, Urras nan Tursachan has been at the heart of the Calanais site, proudly owning and operating the Visitor Centre. The Trust plays a central role in sustaining local employment, promoting cultural heritage, and driving economic opportunities across the Outer Hebrides. 
Working in collaboration with HES, the Trust is leading the redevelopment of the Calanais Visitor Centre into a community hub and world-class heritage attraction. The redevelopment will feature state-of-the-art interpretation, improved visitor facilities, and new opportunities for learning, volunteering, and community events. 

Delivering Long-Term Benefits for the Hebrides 

The Calanais 2025 project represents a powerful collaboration between local and national partners, backed by a £10.1 million investment package, including: 

• £4.1 million from the Scottish and UK Governments through the Islands Growth Deal 
• £3 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund 
• £2 million from the Scottish Government’s Regeneration Capital Grant Fund 
• £750,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) 
• £350,000 from Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES) 

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to safeguarding the future of one of Scotland’s most iconic heritage sites while generating economic and cultural benefits for the Hebrides. 

Community Voices and Consultation 

HES’s 2024 public consultation on the proposed changes received 425 responses, nearly half (46%) from Outer Hebrides residents. The most common theme among local respondents was the importance of maintaining free access for residents—a priority fully incorporated into the new model.  
The final decision, approved by the Scottish Government, recognises the Calanais Standing Stones’ significance locally and internationally and ensures the site’s benefits are shared equitably among visitors, residents, and future generations. 

Kenny McLennan, Director of Urras nan Tursachan, said:
“This new charging model is about ensuring that the benefits of Calanais flow first and foremost to the conservation of the stones and support community. By reinvesting visitor revenue directly into local heritage, education, and economic opportunities, we’re creating a sustainable future that everyone in the Outer Hebrides can share in. Calanais has always belonged to the people who live alongside it, and this model strengthens that bond by helping us protect the Stones while supporting the wellbeing and prosperity of our islands for generations to come.” 

Katey Boal, Head of North Region at HES, said: 
“Calanais Standing Stones is one of Europe’s most significant Neolithic monuments and Historic Environment Scotland is proud to care for the Stones on behalf of the nation. The introduction of an entry fee will allow us to continue this vital work, address the impact of climate change and erosion, and enhance the visitor experience across the site. We listened to a wide range of views during our consultation and have ensured local residents will continue to enjoy free access to their heritage while also creating wider benefits working with Urras nan Tursachan to establish the Fund for Heritage”