Flagship Lewis landmark opened by First Minister
SCOTLAND’S First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has officially opened the Lews Castle Museum and Archive Project.
The opening, on Monday March 6, marked the completion of a flagship cultural and economic regeneration project by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
The £19.5 million project, carried out in phases over five years, has fully restored Stornoway’s main landmark building as a visitor and hospitality destination.
At the heart of the scheme is a new museum nan Eilean and Tasglann nan Eilean – the first public archive for the islands.
Since opening to the public in July 2016, more than 34,000 people have visited the museum and archive.
The restoration of Lews Castle fulfils a long-held aspiration of the local community to see the iconic building brought back to life after having lain vacant for almost 20 years. Through a partnership with the British Museum, six of the world famous Lewis Chessmen take their place as a centrepiece within the main gallery. The playing pieces, carved from walrus tusk and whalebone 800 years ago, were discovered on Uig beach on the west coast of Lewis in 1830.
The First Minister said: ‘The opening of the Lews Castle de- velopment is a historic occasion for Stornoway and the Outer Hebrides and I’m delighted I could be part of the event.’
Comhairle leader and chairman of Lews Castle Project board, Councillor Angus Campbell said: ‘I am delighted we are officially opening this iconic Outer Hebrides landmark, which is a truly magnificent attraction for visitors and residents. The castle has already proved to be hugely popular, as evidenced by the large numbers of visitors in the first few months.’
The final phase of the project, 23 luxury bedrooms, is scheduled to be opened by Natural Retreats in April. Ms Sturgeon also visited the new Ardseileach Centre in Stornoway during her trip to Lewis.
Ardseileach provides residential accommodation for disabled adults in independent living units clustered around a core residential centre.
The centre was opened a few months ago, following a multi-million investment by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, with the supported living units to open within the next couple of weeks.
During her visit on Tuesday March 7 the First Minister said: ‘Facilities like the Ardseileach Centre provide a vital service in rural locations like Lewis as they enable adults with disabilities to live independently in their community. It was a pleasure to visit the centre and see how residents are benefiting from the service.’
Paul Dundas, head of locality services within the health and social care partnership, said: ‘It was our pleasure to show the First Minister round Ardseileach. The core and cluster model was specifically designed to support independent living and that was recognised by the First Minister and her team. It was especially pleasing to see Ardseileach highlighted as an example of best practice. It meant a lot to staff and service users that the First Minister took time to visit.’