An £8.25m overhaul of the Hebrides People Visitor Centre in Northton, Harris has been confirmed, with Highlands and Islands Enterprise committing £850,000 towards the project.

The redevelopment will modernise and expand the centre, reinforcing its status as a major cultural and visitor hub in the Outer Hebrides. After years of planning and fundraising, contractors are mobilising on site to upgrade facilities, safeguard the internationally recognised genealogy archive, and create new opportunities for the local community.

A total funding package of £8,254,746 has been secured from four principal backers: Islands Growth Deal (£4,340,000), Regeneration Capital Grant Fund (£1,850,000), The National Lottery Heritage Fund (£1,214,746) and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (£850,000). Hebrides People has signed a construction contract with Lewis Builders, supported by an island-based design team led by Tighean Innse Gall.

Rebecca Hutton, Chair, Northton Heritage Trust, said: "Securing the complete funding package is an incredibly important milestone for Hebrides People and means that after years of planning and hard work, we can now move forward with this transformational project.

"We are enormously grateful to the Islands Growth Deal, the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Each has played a vital part in getting us to this point, and without their collective support this ambitious redevelopment simply would not be possible.

"We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to our shareholders and community stakeholders, whose continued support has been instrumental in bringing this project to where it is today.

"This redevelopment is about much more than a building. It is about preserving and celebrating the stories of the people of the Outer Hebrides, creating opportunities for future generations and delivering a visitor attraction that will bring lasting cultural and economic benefits to Harris and the wider islands."

Melanie Ward, UK Government Minister for Scotland, said: "Harris is home to some of the richest heritage anywhere in Scotland, and it's fantastic to see this redevelopment moving forward.

"The UK government's investment through the Islands Growth Deal is helping to unlock this vital project, working alongside our funding partners to secure a lasting future for Hebrides People and everything it does to celebrate the stories of the Outer Hebrides."

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Stephen Flynn, Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, said: "I am delighted that Scottish Government has been able to support this transformative project through the Islands Growth Deal and the Regeneration Capital Grant Fund. The investment will create jobs, boost tourism, and establish a vibrant cultural asset that celebrates the history and heritage of our islands.

"It is great to see that community involvement is central to the redevelopment with a focus on promoting the Gaelic language which is such an important part of island life. I look forward to seeing the progress on this project and to the local economic benefits and impacts it will achieve."

Caroline Clark, The National Lottery Heritage Fund Director for Scotland, said: "Hebrides People offers huge potential for this unique archive of Gaelic heritage to make a real difference for locals and visitors alike. Deliver opportunities for people to get involved, to work and to learn. Supporting traditional skills, heritage careers and the wider visitor economy.

"Thanks to Good Causes funding raised by National Lottery players this redevelopment will draw visitors to the Outer Hebrides and protect and support local heritage and Gaelic culture."

Natalie Campbell, HIE's head of enterprise support in the Outer Hebrides, said: "Northton Heritage Trust has shown remarkable vision and determination in building on the success of its internationally recognised genealogy work to develop this project to build a world-class heritage and genealogy centre.

"By capturing and sharing the history and culture of St Kilda and the wider Outer Hebrides, the project will create a lasting legacy for communities and visitors alike. We have been delighted to work with and support the Trust over several years as this ambitious project has developed and becomes a reality."

The Islands Growth Deal contribution of £4.34m is the project's largest single investment and completes the capital needed for construction to proceed. The ten-year Growth Deal aims to drive sustainable, inclusive economic growth across the Outer Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland. It is jointly funded by the UK and Scottish governments and delivered with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Orkney Islands Council and Shetland Islands Council.

The Regeneration Capital Grant Fund's £1.85m award supports the project's place-based regeneration goals, helping to deliver a high-quality, sustainable facility for residents and visitors. The fund is a Scottish Government programme delivered in partnership with COSLA and local authorities.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund's £1,214,746 investment will help Hebrides People protect and interpret its collections and archives, and create new ways for people to discover the islands' stories, genealogy and cultural heritage. HIE's £850,000, alongside advisory support, recognises the project's potential to strengthen Harris as a visitor destination and support local employment and businesses.

When complete, the centre will be a modern, fully accessible heritage destination, with expanded exhibition and interpretation spaces, upgraded visitor amenities and enhanced facilities for research, learning and community engagement — positioning Hebrides People to welcome audiences from around the world.

Cllr Paul Steele, Leader, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said: "This is a significant investment in the future of Harris, and wider Outer Hebrides, and is the culmination of many years of commitment by Hebrides People.

"The enhancement of the Visitor Centre will protect an important part of our islands' heritage whilst creating new opportunities for tourism, employment, learning and community engagement. We are proud to have championed this project throughout its journey, as this is exactly the type of transformational investment the Islands Growth Deal was designed to support, delivering both cultural and economic benefits for our islands."

The current centre will close on Thursday 20 August, with construction beginning shortly afterwards. Completion is expected in early 2028, ahead of a planned reopening in April 2028. A community farewell event will be held on Friday 28 August to mark the closure before works commence.

The Co Leis Thu? genealogy service and the online bookshop will continue to operate throughout the redevelopment, supporting people tracing their roots to the Outer Hebrides. For more information, visit www.hebridespeople.com.