Heritage sites

Heritage attractions across the Western Isles are experiencing a surge in footfall as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announce visitor figures for the 2017/18 financial year.

Kisimul Castle on Barra - the only significant medieval castle to survive in all of the Western Isles recorded an 8% increase in visitor numbers. 6,699 people visited the site throughout the period.

Arnol Blackhouse in Lewis – a traditional, fully furnished thatch house – also had an impressive year, as it welcomed over 15,000 visitors, a 6% increase on last year’s figures.

More than five million people visited HES managed Historic Scotland attractions across the country during 2017-18, a significant 17% increase from the previous year.

The surge in numbers at sites across the length and breadth of the country is being attributed to growth in UK, European and overseas visitors, with a significant increase in Scots visiting sites partly due to a strong membership base of over 194,000.

Visitors flock to historic sites in Western Isles

20 April 2018

Kisimul Castle