Foundations for a new £8.5m Museum and Archive at Lews Castle, Stornoway, have been laid.

Works on the new facility, which is due to open in July 2015, also includes major repair and restoration works to the Castle.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar have said the work is being carried out by Graham Construction along with local sub-contractors including Duncan MacKay & Sons and DJ Macaulay Construction Ltd.

Over the next few months, the museum and archive – which is a single storey structure of stainless steel, glass and Caithness stone designed by Malcolm Fraser Architects of Edinburgh – will be developed on the site of the Castle's former glasshouses.

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With regards to the museum, it will provide an enlarged display space and new facilities, including a special exhibitions gallery for local and national exhibitions, as well as a learning and community space within an existing sheltered courtyard.

The work to the interior of the Castle will include full restoration of the public rooms to their period splendour for functions and hospitality use, while a new glazed roof over an inner courtyard featuring remnants of the 17th century Seaforth Lodge will create a visitor link between the Castle and the museum.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has revealed that it has identified a preferred hospitality partner for the project and is currently working to secure a funding package for the final phase of works. These works will see the upper floors of the Castle developed to create high quality hospitality accommodation.

Leader of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Councillor Angus Campbell, said: "This is an important milestone for the Comhairle and the communities of the Outer Hebrides.

"The Comhairle is committed to investment in a new museum and archive building and a heritage service with the potential to deliver significant regeneration and cultural benefits for communities spread across the islands."

(JP/CD)