‘Ionad an Stòir’ officially opened by Skye and Raasay Committee Chair

Yesterday (Monday 26 August 2024) marked the official opening of the ‘Ionad an Stòir’ or ‘The Storr Centre’ by Skye and Raasay Area Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson.

Isle of Skye and Raasay Area Committee Chair, Cllr John Finlayson said: “I am honoured and extremely proud to officially open ‘Ionad an Stòir’ and mark the momentous achievement of ‘The Storr’ wider project and the truly remarkable visitor enhancements to this iconic setting. 

“The new building and services such as guided walks, small wedding gatherings and event space for community use, the significant ‘Old Man of Storr’ path network improvements, new car parking, EV charging points, motorhome waste disposal and improved toilet facilities has brought this extremely popular/high demand visitor attraction to a standard that is expected from today’s visitor, while retaining the majestic heritage of this remarkable landmark for both the local community and for visitors to Skye.

“I’d like to thank the Skye community for their valuable involvement throughout the project, that helped shape the decision making process to ensure our Gaelic culture and the heritage of Skye was integrated into each part of the rebrand and design of the new site, and to the remarkable project team and stakeholders for their vision and steely determination to ensure that this ambitious project which supports tourist management, local businesses and income generation to be invested back into the Skye & Raasay Ward, has become a reality.  I hope that ‘The Storr’ can continue to be enjoyed for many years to come.”

‘The Storr’ provides great opportunities for local income generation and job creation and will also importantly support the overall management of this iconic site to ensure that it has a sustainable future. Community-led innovation is at the heart of this development, while being considerate of the environment.

‘Ionad an Stòir’ or ‘The Storr Centre’, provides retail space and a multi-purpose room which showcases local suppliers and products, with the multi-purpose space available for registrar wedding ceremonies, art & music exhibitions, Gaelic events, and community use. The ‘Ionad an Stòir’ unit was custom built in Barra by Modular West.

Islands Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “I would like to congratulate The Highland Council and the Skye and Raasay community on the opening of Ionad an Stòir and I am pleased the Scottish Government was able to contribute £440,000 through our Islands Programme. This exciting project will support sustainable economic development on the island, while promoting its Gaelic heritage and strengthening Skye’s incredible tourism offer further.”

‘The Storr’ has been awarded a Traveller’s Choice Award by TripAdvisor.

‘The Storr’ project is supported by funding from The Highland Council’s Skye & Raasay Ward budget, Islands Programme, Place Based Investment Fund, Coastal Communities Fund, and the Community Regeneration Fund.