June 21 2013

An £8.5m contract to deliver a new museum, hotel and archive extension at Lews Castle, Stornoway, has been awarded to GRAHAM Construction - paving the way for rescue of the Grade A listed landmark.

The work will include extensive repair and restoration of the historic fabric of the castle together with construction of an ambitious new build extension on the site of its former glasshouses on collaboration with Malcolm Fraser Architects and conservation specialists Simpson & Brown.

Benefitting from a commanding outlook across Stornoway and a rich collection of cultural artefacts it is hoped the facility will become a major tourism draw for the area and the wider Outer Hebrides.

The Comhairle leader, Angus Campbell, said: "The Comhairle is working with the Stornoway Trust on a project to regenerate the Castle Grounds and improve links to the town centre. We are also at an advanced stage of discussions with a preferred operator for the private sector hospitality operation within the restored castle.

"We will be working closely with the main contractor on delivering community benefits which are an integral part of the contract. This will include maximising opportunities for local sub-contractors and suppliers, training, apprenticeship and other opportunities. We want to ensure that this project creates a legacy in terms of the specialist skills required for conserving and maintaining our historic buildings.”

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