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Welcome to the Calanais Visitor Centre web site!
The west coast of Lewis, the most northerly of the Western Isles, is rich in prehistoric remains, and no visitor to the island need ever lack for an interesting place to visit or something fascinating to see
The magnificent Standing Stones of Callanish (or Calanais, which is the Gaelic version) are famous worldwide.
No matter what the weather is like and however many visitors are present, these ancient stones have an enigmatic, magical quality that never fails to move.
Whatever inspired their construction, all agree that the experience of visiting the Standing Stones of Calanais is not one to be missed.
History of the Visitor Centre
With 40,000 visitors a year coming to see the standing stones it became apparent that facilities needed to be provided. The proposed facility needed to fit in with the local community and the sensitive nature of the surrounding landscape.
The idea of a visitor centre was developed, with the aim being to provide a range of facilities, including Coffee Shop, Gift Shop and toilet facilities, but also with the aim of being able to promote a greater understanding of the Calanais Standing Stones site via an interpretive display called Story of the Stones.
There was a period of consultation with the local community, visitors to the site, the local Islands Authorities, Historic Scotland (who are the caretakers of the Stones), the local and national Tourist Boards, Western Isles Enterprise, Scottish Natural Heritage, and the University of Edinburgh, after which work began on the centre in January 1995. Within 6 months the project was complete. A remarkable achievement!
A Community Opening was held on the 28th June 1995 followed by the official opening on 30th June 1995 led by Donnie Munro of Runrig fame. The following day the centre was open for business.
Calanais Visitor Centre
Opening times:
- April to September 10am - 9pm
- Monday to Saturday
- October to March 10am - 4pm
- Wednesday to Saturday
- Telephone: 01851 621422
Famous Calanais Standing Stones
