Urras nan Tursachan (The Standing Stones Trust) has announced Kathryn Lamont Smith
as the new heritage manager at the Calanais Visitor Centre.
Bringing extensive experience from previous roles at An Lanntair and UHI, Ms Smith
will be crucial in developing and delivering impactful heritage and engagement programs
for both the site and the local community.
The Calanais Visitor Centre is currently undergoing an ambitious redevelopment, aiming
to reopen early next year as a world-class, five-star visitor attraction and a vibrant
community hub.
The project is supported by substantial investments from the National Lottery Heritage
Fund, the Scottish and UK governments' Islands Growth Deal, and various local funds,
all focused on enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the site's rich
archaeological heritage.
Ms Smith’s responsibilities will include creating and implementing a community heritage
and engagement plan, advancing research into the Calanais area's archaeology, and
establishing a Fund for Heritage scheme to support other initiatives across the Outer
Hebrides. She will also champion Gaelic culture and language throughout the centre's
operations.
“I am honoured and excited to join the Calanais Visitor Centre at such a transformative
time,” she said.
“I look forward to working closely with the local community and our partners to celebrate
and preserve the unique heritage of Calanais for future generations.”
The Calanais 2025 redevelopment project encompasses a larger visitor centre, improved
parking and access, enhanced interpretation of the site, and an extensive engagement
program for locals and visitors. The initiative seeks to balance growing interest
in the Calanais Standing Stones with the vital need to protect the important community
heritage.
New heritage manager for Calanais Visitor Centre
27 May 2025
