The old farmhouse in front of the Calanais Visitor Centre is to be demolished after it was found to be at risk of collapse.
The poor state of the building by the Calanais Standing Stones was discovered as construction workers prepared the building for part of a £10 million revamp of the visitor centre.
The premises is an integral part of the redevelopment with the former farmhouse building to be incorporated into the new centre.
Urras nan Tursachan, the organisation which runs the facility said: “It is very upsetting to have to announce that the old farmhouse has to come down, especially as it was an important part of the original design of the Calanais Visitor Centre.
“As Lewis Builders prepared the building for upgrading it became clear that it was at risk of collapse.
“Urras nan Tursachan instigated a comprehensive structural review, which revealed that the historic farmhouse at Calanais needs to be demolished and rebuilt.
“The safety of those working on the site has to come first and this difficult decision has been made to ensure that construction work can progress safely on the redevelopment project.”
The integrity of the building was assessed in the engineering report which revealed major structural issues including severe dampness affecting foundations and walls, as well as friable mortar and unstable stonework.
Inadequate roof structure and wall connections were also found.
The building is assessed to be in poor overall condition due to age and past construction practices.
Ian Fordham, chair of Urras nan Tursachan, said: "We deeply regret the necessity of this action.
“Although not a listed building, the farmhouse has been a part of the Calanais landscape for many years. It has played many roles in our community over the last 175 years.
“However, the safety of construction workers must be our top priority and health and safety issues must come first.”
The trust said it made this “difficult decision” after detailed discussions with Lewis Builders and the design team as well as local planners, and funders of the Calanais project.
The trust promised the new structure will look exactly as planned in the original architects drawings, maintaining the appearance intended.
Urras nan Tursachan said: “This decision will allow for a safer, more sustainable structure, built to modern building standards allowing for improved safety, energy efficiency, and longevity while honouring the farmhouse's significance in the overall build.
“Urras nan Tursachan remains committed to preserving the cultural heritage of Calanais
and an historic building survey has been conducted to record the details of the building.
The trust is looking forward to the re-
Construction work commenced this summer of an expanded cafe and visitor centre at the Calanais Standing Stones to met rising demand from a forecast increase in users in the coming years.
Visitor numbers at the neighbouring standing stones are predicted to rise from around 150,000 at present to 200,000 by 2030, driven by a spike of cruise liner passengers from the new deep water port in Stornoway in addition to a projected rise in in leisure tourism.
The plan is to upgrade and extend the existing building, incorporating the former farmhouse building in front of the centre.
Historic farmhouse at Calanis Visitor Centre to be knocked down before it collapses
23 September 2024
