Graham Construction has been appointed to work on the second phase of work on the Lews Castle Museum.

According to the BBC, the Scottish division of the firm will work to convert the interior of the property, as well as build a new extension.

The first phase of the project hit problems when contractor Patton fell into administration. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar then appointed local firm Neil MacKay and Co to complete the contract.

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Lews Castle, a former stately home in Stornoway, Lewis, has been closed for almost 25 years.

The plans to convert and transform the building will see a total of £14m spent on restoration work, while the new museum will be used to depict life on the island. It will also use Gaelic as its first language, and permanent displays on the site will include six of the 12th Century Lewis Chessmen ivory chess pieces.

Four-star hotel accommodation will also be offered on the site.

(JP/CD)