The iconic Calanais Standing Stones on the Isle of Lewis, a site that helped inspire the hit TV series Outlander, will soon require visitors to pay an entry fee. This significant change, authorised by the Scottish government, marks a new chapter for one of Scotland's most treasured ancient monuments.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), the public body responsible for the site, has confirmed the move following a public consultation. While the exact price of the ticket has not yet been revealed, it has been confirmed that local residents will retain free access to the 5,000-year-old stones.
Why a Fee is Being Introduced
The primary driver behind the new charge is the long-term preservation of the neolithic site. The stones, which are arranged in a unique cross-shaped setting and predate England's Stonehenge, attract huge numbers of visitors. In 2019 alone, they welcomed 150,000 people, with projections suggesting a further 25% increase by 2030.
The revenue generated from the admission fees will be directly reinvested into the site. HES states that the funds will be used to:
- Create new local jobs.
- Enhance the overall visitor experience.
- Support the conservation and long-term sustainability of the monument.
Katey Boal, head of North region at HES, emphasised the need for this balance, saying, "Introducing an admission charge will help to protect and conserve the monument for future generations." She added that their approach ensures local residents can continue to enjoy free access to their local heritage.
The Outlander Effect and Lasting Appeal
The timing of this announcement follows a recent study by Visit Scotland which highlighted the profound impact of the Outlander TV series on Scottish tourism. The show's fictional standing stones, Craigh na Dun, were inspired by locations like Calanais, leading to a sharp rise in tourists seeking out these historic sites.
Jenni Steele, film and creative industries manager at Visit Scotland, commented on the phenomenon, stating, "The impact Outlander has had on Scottish tourism is astonishing. Not since Braveheart has a screen production had such a profound effect on our industry." Beyond Outlander, the stones also served as an inspiration for the Disney-Pixar film Brave.
Operational management of the newly redeveloped visitor centre will be handled by Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), an independent not-for-profit charity, while HES will continue to manage and conserve the stones themselves.
