The visitor centre at the world-famous Callanish Stones on Lewis is to get a £4million extension.
A victim of its own success, tourists pour into the tourism facility during the peak summer months while touring the giant megaliths – next in importance to Stonehenge – at the Western Isles’ most famous landmark.
Calanais Visitor Centre is too cramped and struggles to cope with its tens of thousands of annual visitors – a figure which has doubled over the past decade to a forecast 47,000 users this year.
More space will be created by building a new extension to house a bigger cafeteria with views across Loch Roag plus an expanded kitchen, additional toilet facilities and storage.
The gift shop and reception office area will be upgraded and existing toilets will also be renovated.
There will be a larger “Story of the Stones” interpretation, using a variety of methods and modern technology to convey its history to visitors.
Heritage information will feature and a range of heritage projects and activities would be provided throughout the year.
Parking will be increased with the inclusion of accessible parking bays.
The Urras nan Tursachan (Standing Stones Trust) which runs the centre said it is “evident that the current building and facilities are no longer sufficient to cope” with the numbers now coming through the doors.
The trust sees the steady increase in visitors as “an opportunity, not only to redevelop the visitor centre, but to boost regeneration for the area” around the rural Callanish community.
Donald Macarthur, chairman of Urras nan Tursachan, said: “Plans are now at an advanced stage and we wish to gain feedback as widely as possible to help us shape the future of the visitor centre and in particular how the site is integrated within the wider Hebridean heritage.
“This is a unique opportunity not only to improve the facilities for the many who visit us from all over the world, but also to invigorate the centre’s engagement with the community within which this world heritage site is located.”
Funding applications will be submitted within the next two months and it is hoped to have securing all financing in 2017.
The revamp proposals are on display inside the visitor centre, and are also exhibited at the Lews Castle Museum, Stornoway, until November 18.
A survey will allow people to submit feedback on the proposals.
