Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has announced further finding for the Lews Castle restoration project.

A further £1.7 million has been provided to complete the scheme.

Led by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (CnES), the £18 million project involves the transformation of the category-A listed building.

Now entering its third phase of development, building work will be carried out to the upper floors of the castle.

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Gordon Macdonald, HIE’s Senior Development Manager, said: "This is a very exciting project which promises to develop the potential of the Lews Castle as both a cultural and economic asset and will benefit the islands’ communities by creating employment, increasing tourism and further developing the Outer Hebrides as a world class destination."

CnES Leader, Cllr Angus Campbell, said: "I am delighted that the project has reached this stage and I would once again like to thank all our funding partners."

Phases one and two have been funded by a combination of CnES, HIE, Heritage Lottery Fund, ERDF, Scottish Government and Historic Scotland.

(LM)