The Lewis Chessmen from the 12th century are among some of the most iconic images of the Isle of Lewis itself and the Norse heritage of the British Isles. This summer, six of them will find a new home, near the sand dunes, where they were hidden more than 800 years ago.
The Lewis Chessmen were found in 1831, probably in a small stone chamber or – box, built for safekeeping in the sand dunes at Uig. Until now the collection has been split between the British Museum and the National Museum of Scotland. With 82 pieces in the British Museum and only 11 in Edinburgh feelings do sometimes run high. Many Scots is of the opinion they should be repatriated! Now, however, six of them will go on a long-term loan to the Isle of Lewis as a token of the will to boost the important tourism economy in the Outer Hebrides.
Come summer a new museum and archive will open on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides to house the returning ‘Vikings’. Located in a modern purpose built extension to the restored Lews Castle, the future museum in Stornoway will open in the summer of 2015. The museum is planned to include exciting new galleries, which will look at the stories of the Islands and Islanders. Visitors will be able to
- discover how the distinctiveness of the Outer Hebrides is shaped by a unique combination of land, sea and people
- hear details about different people’s lives; the diversity of experience, opinion and perception of living life on an Island.
- examine how people have lived and worked from the earliest times to the present day, how their culture is expressed through the Gaelic language, religion and community life.
The plan is to create a 21st Century museum and archive with activity and event spaces, and better facilities for schools. A dedicated research space will invite visitors to study the collections and archive records, while a shop and café plus 600 acres of beautiful Castle Grounds will provide the setting for a great day out for all the family.
The Lews Castle Hotel
At the same time plans have been underway to turn the restored Lews castle into a luxury hotel. However, the response from the market has been tepid and a year ago it was announced that the castle (from the 19th century) will instead be turned into a series of units for self-catering.