The Scottish government has authorised a significant change for one of Scotland's most ancient landmarks: the introduction of an entry fee at the Calanais Standing Stones.
This decision marks the end of free access for most visitors to the 5,000-year-old neolithic site on the Isle of Lewis, which is even older than Stonehenge.
Why the Change Was Made
Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which manages the site, conducted a public consultation before the move. The organisation stated that the money raised from the new admission charge will be directly reinvested.
The funds are earmarked to create new local jobs, significantly improve the overall visitor experience, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the monument. While the exact price of the ticket has not yet been revealed, it has been confirmed that local residents will retain their right to free access.
Balancing Tourism and Preservation
The Calanais Standing Stones are one of the most visited attractions in the Outer Hebrides and have even gained fame for inspiring settings in major films, most notably Disney-Pixar's Brave.
HES emphasised that the primary goal of the new fee is to protect and conserve the significant prehistoric monument for future generations. This move aims to strike a careful balance between preserving the site's integrity and managing the impact of high visitor numbers, while still supporting continued access for the local community.
