Community landlord, Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh, has been awarded £61,619 from the Scottish Land Fund to purchase the visitor centre at the Carloway broch.
Plans are to fully refurbish the facility and improve the experience for sightseers heading for the neighbouring 2000-
A feasibility study looked at future options and there was a community desire for the local Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh (Carloway Estate Trust) to take over the operation of the site which is currently owned by Urras nan Tursachan.
Following discussions with the present operator and a range of feasibility work including a valuation, building condition survey, asbestos survey and options appraisal work including stakeholder interviews and a community meeting to gather feedback it was agreed that this was the best way forward for the site.
Kenneth J MacLennan, chair of Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh, expressed “delight” in securing funding.
He explained: “We plan to fully refurbish the visitor centre and toilets.
“Many thanks to everyone who submitted responses to our online community survey and virtual meeting which helped us shape our plan.”
Councillor Ranald Fraser also welcomed the news, hailing the “exciting opportunity” for the community as a way to “enrich the centre and reap the economic dividend that this stewardship will provide.”
Mr Fraser, who has fond memories of working at the broch centre as a teenager, highlighted: “The broch at Doune Carloway is a landmark attraction in our islands.
“My congratulations to Urras Oighreachd Chàrlabhaigh (Carloway Estate Trust) and I look forward to doing all I can to assist them in their new endeavour.
Plans for the redevelopment include improved interpretation offering, digital heritage visitor experience and improved visitor facilities.
This initial funding package includes the purchase costs; design costs to take the redevelopment to the next stage including an interpretation consultant; and support for a development manager post to support the project.
Major boost for broch visitor centre revamp plans
15 October 2021
The broch sits in a commanding spot above the visitor centre at Doune