First images of the work being carried out to create Lews Castle Museum and Archive were released yesterday, highlighting the quality of the project.
Phase 2 of the £13.5million Lews Castle contract, being undertaken by Graham Construction, includes the new museum and archive building, creation of a new glass roofed courtyard cafe area, full restoration of the public rooms on the ground floor of the castle and external landscaping works including a new visitor car park.
The museum and archive works have been completed and the fit-out contract for the museum exhibitions will start on site in early March. Phase 2 work completion is anticipated by early March.
The museum and archive and the ground floor rooms of the castle will be completed in the summer with full public opening in October, when the famous Lewis Chessmen will take their place in the new museum.
A glass roofed courtyard links the new museum with the castle,
Led by Western Isles Council, the £13.5million project involves funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Scotland, the Scottish Government, European Regional Development Fund, Highlands & Islands Enterprise and Bord na Gaidhlig.
Built by opium trader James Matheson in 1847, the category A-listed building was on the Buildings At Risk Register but is now looking forward to a new lease of life.
The castle’s morning room will be one of the highlights of the restoration work where 1850s wall decorations are being restored.