| Funding for Lews Castle Proposals | 22 January 2007 |
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The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded Comhairle nan Eilean a project planning grant of up to £30,000 to assist with the development of regeneration proposals for Lews Castle. The outline proposals for the vacant A-Listed building include a new Museum nan Eilean and a high quality hotel with function facilities. The HLF grant and £30,000 approved by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar will fund detailed planning work on the project to meet the requirements of the HLF and other potential funding bodies. The HLF funded work will study the heritage and public access benefits of the proposals and will examine Museum nan Eilean and its collection as well as Lews Castle and its designed landscape. Consultants will be appointed shortly to undertake the project planning work. Colin McLean, Heritage Lottery Fund Manager for Scotland, said: ‘This award will give Comhairle nan Eilean Siar the opportunity to carry out important planning work before they embark on a larger scale project to ensure the future of Lews Castle.’ Commenting on the grant award, Norman L Macdonald, Chairman of the Lews Castle Trust Steering Group said: "The award from HLF is an important milestone for Lews Castle and will enable us to prepare a strong case for capital grants from HLF and other funding partners. The project planning work will also develop the business plan for the whole project and this will help in attracting interest in the commercial aspects of the proposals." A feasibility study, completed last year by Austin-Smith:Lord and Tourism Resources Company, examined a wide range of use options for Lews Castle and concluded that a mix of public and commercial uses was the only viable option. For further information contact: Iain Macleod - Economic Development Service, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Tel 01851 709495 For further information contact Samantha Goody at the Heritage Lottery Fund on 0207 591 6033, or email samanthag@hlf.org.uk. Website: www.hlf.org.uk Heritage Lottery Fund The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy. We have supported more than 16,500 projects, allocating over £3.3 billion across the UK. In Scotland, 1,700 projects have received £407 million. Nigel Scott Tel: 01851 709389 (Work) |
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