OUTLANDER fans who flock from around the world to visit a popular Scots tourist attraction connected to the hit TV series could soon be forced to pay an entry fee into the historic site. The bestselling books and television show have drawn fans from around the globe to sites which were linked to or used in the filming of the show. 2 The ancient standing stones of Callanish (or Calanais) on Lewis in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland at sunrise Credit: Getty - Contributor 2 The hit show has drawn tourists from all around the world Credit: Alamy The Calanais standing stones on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides were said to inspire the fictional stone circle in Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series through which protagonist Claire Randall travels back through time.
Nurse Randall stumbles upon the mysterious Craigh na Dun in the Highlands, where she is transported through time from 1945 to 1743 and meets Jacobite Jamie Fraser. But Outlander tourists could soon have to pay to see the 5000-year-old site, in order to bring in funds and help protect the site for future generations. Historic Environment Scotland (HES) today opened a public consultation to seek feedback on proposals on the new plans.
Read More Travel BEST OF THE BEST Stunning waterfront house on Skye named UK holiday home of the year PARKING PAINS 'Mind blowing behaviour', say NC500 locals as tourists 'block' cars passing Land surveys have shown "significant erosion from footfall" as visitor numbers rocketed to 175,000 this year, and expected to hit 200,000 per year by 2030, thanks in part to the "Outlander Effect". The proposals include the introduction of an entry fee and potential changes to access at the heritage site. HES say the proposals aim "to support and enhance economic, community, and conservation benefits for the local community and the wider Outer Hebrides".
The proposed entry fee would not apply to local residents. Most read in Travel DOWN THE PAN ‘I could cry’ sob parents as Scots tourist attraction announces shock closure GROUNDED British Airways to suspend flights to one of the world’s oldest cities this year PAY-CATION NC500 tourists could face motorhome & campervan 'tax' costing '£20 a day' GOT IT COVERED Woman reveals the £1.60 travel item that you should NEVER use at the airport Sian Evans, HES' Regional Visitor and Community Manager for North Region, said: "The Calanais Standing Stones are synonymous with the Outer Hebrides, embodying thousands of years of history and culture.
"With increased visitor footfall and the challenges presented by factors such as climate change, we must take action to ensure the stones are adequately protected to stand on this site for at least another 5000 years. Fans left baffled by Outlander star Sam Heughan's accent in new TV thriller- "Our goal is to ensure our proposals also enhance the site’s value to both the community and visitors. "We encourage everyone with an interest, relationship or connection to this iconic site to participate in this consultation to help shape its future .
" HES is working closely with Urras nan Tursachan (UnT), the charity that manages the Visitor Centre at Calanais Standing Stones to help redevelop the centre and the visitor experience at the site. Working together, the organisations aim to integrate the historic monument and Calanais Visitor Centre as a single tourism experience, to provide a wider range of benefits, with a single entrance fee. HES said it would "largely reinvest" its portion of the fee back into the site to help fund additional sustainable conservation measures that tackle and mitigate current erosion challenges, thereby protecting the integrity of the standing stones.
The entry charge would not apply to locals, with HES and UnT exploring options to create a system that allows the community to continue enjoying the heritage site free of charge. A key element of the proposals, HES said, is to reinvest a portion of the revenue from the entry fee into a Fund for Heritage, to support heritage projects and bodies across the Outer Hebrides. HES said feedback from the consultation, along with insights from earlier community engagement events, would be reviewed comprehensively and used to inform recommendations.
They would further targeted engagement sessions will be held with specific groups including local stakeholders, representatives of Hebridean tourism and business organisations as well as "those who have a spiritual connection to the stones". Evans added: "Calanais Standing Stones hold a special place in the heart of the community, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of the Outer Hebrides. "As custodians of this important site, it is our responsibility to help ensure its sustainable management for generations to come.
"We encourage all community members, stakeholders, and interested parties to participate in these sessions and be part of shaping the future of the Calanais Standing Stones." UnT recently announced a £10.1 million investment to transform the Calanais Visitor Centre.
The project will be funded by the Scottish and UK governments, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, and the local authority for the Outer Hebrides, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Plans to redevelop the centre include improved interpretation, enhanced facilities, better parking and access, and extensive engagement programs for local people and visitors. In Outlander, Read more on the Scottish Sun PARKING PAINS 'Mind blowing behaviour', say NC500 locals as tourists 'block' cars passing HUNG UP Hundreds of Scots jobs 'at risk' as retail giant proposes call centre closure The look of the fictional stone circle in the TV series is said to be based on Calanais.
The public consultation is open until October 31..
