Bookmark and Share
wpfb9b4c8d.png

£11 million but still cash shortfall for Lews Castle rescue   22/11/11

A last ditch effort to rescue the crumbling Lews Castle in Stornoway has secured a  £11 million funding boost with different organisations putting up cash.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has announced it will plough £4.6 million into converting the decaying historic building into a plush hotel, new museum and cultural centre.

Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has also stepped in to add £1 million as a ten year funding struggle for the ambitious project reaches its crunch make-or-break finish line.

Western Isles Council has also promised to squeeze over £4 million from its hard pressed budgets while Historic Scotland is granting £500,000 for urgent repairs.

But, though European funding is expected to be cleared within weeks, the castle renovations are at risk unless a funding gap of £1.6 million is plugged soon.

The decaying property is on the Buildings At Risk Register and it has taken about ten years to get to this advanced stage.

Western Isles Council leader Angus Campbell is writing to the Scottish Government today stressing the urgent need to secure the outstanding amount.

He said: “Otherwise, it would be a huge shame if all the other funding is lost.

“We are optimistic about getting some European funding, which is absolutely crucial,  and are asking the Scottish Government to close the funding gap.”

Mr Campbell said the Heritage Lottery cash “puts us within reach of delivering a generational project which will have benefits throughout our islands.

“Culture and heritage are one of our most important assets and the new museum and archive will allow more people to enjoy and appreciate these, bringing benefits to visitors and local communities across the Outer Hebrides.

“We now seek the support of the other funding partners to finalise the funding package and enable us to begin work on this long-awaited project as soon as possible.”

Colin McLean, head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said the “innovated transformation of Lews Castle has the potential to make a real difference to the economy of Lewis and indeed the Western Isles through job creation and tourism.”

Archie MacDonald of HIE said: "We have worked with the council for a number of years to find a suitable option for the redevelopment of Lews Castle. We are delighted to now be playing a part in the revival of such an iconic and important location.

“The new centre will provide a hub for the local community and will also prove a huge attraction to national and international visitors. The hotel development opportunity is itself unique and we look forward to seeing Lews Castle returned to its former glory as the heart of the Outer Hebrides."

"HIE is delighted that our investment will help pave the way for the project to develop a cultural and visitor destination of national significance, and a gateway to the rich Gaelic heritage of the Outer Hebrides."

Isles MSP Alasdair Allan commented: “The council and other agencies locally have been working tirelessly to progress plans that would ensure Lews Castle becomes both a cultural and economic asset to the islands.”