Nicola Sturgeon will officially reopen one of the north’s most distinctive castles today.
The first minister will perform the honours at Lews Castle in Stornoway.
The castle has been redeveloped at a cost of £19million to include a new museum and archive centre – in addition to luxury accommodation.
The building, which overlooks Stornoway Harbour, had been falling into disrepair before it was rescued by a multi-agency project led by Western Isles Council.
The museum opened to the public last year and has already proved a boon to tourism in the Western Isles, with more than 34,000 visitors.
Among the exhibits are six of the Lewis Chessmen pieces, which have returned to the island as part of a long-term loan deal between the council and the British Museum.
Councillor Angus Campbell, leader of Western Isles Council and chairman of the Lews Castle Project Board, welcomed the first minister’s visit.
He said: “We are delighted that the First Minister is set to join us for the formal opening of the Museum, Archive and Castle.
“Not only are the facilities a major economic boost for the Outer Hebrides – with the creation of many jobs and more still to come – they are also a symbol of island regeneration and cultural renaissance.
“Already, the castle and museum are providing a major boost to tourism with more to come as the rest of the accommodation element of the castle opens later this year.
“In the first six months since opening to the public in July, there have been 34,000 recorded visitors to the museum and archive, well exceeding projected numbers.”
Ms Sturgeon will carry out a number of other visits during her trip to Stornoway, including speaking at Ann Lanntair to launch a programme of events to mark International Woman’s Day.
The arts centre’s chief executive Elly Fletcher said: “Nicola Sturgeon, as the first female first minister and a strong advocate for equality, is an inspiration for women all over the world.
“As we launch our season of programming for International Women’s Day here at An Lanntair, this is a wonderful chance for us to hear her take on the importance of and opportunities for women in Scotland today and in the future.”