Ownership
The Stones are in ownership of Scottish Ministers and these monuments are generally termed as being in care of Minsters. HES manages these properties in care of Ministers under a scheme of delegation. You can find out more about how we manage these sites here www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/what-we-do/managing-the-estate/how-we-manage-the-estate/#overview_tab
In managing these sites, we prepare a baseline understanding of the cultural and other values of the monument. You can see this statement here - www.historicenvironment.scot/archives-and-research/publications/publication/?publicationid=daf72741-0f80-4d90-8034-a57000c6b0c5
The area is also designated a scheduled monument which means it is of national importance and places a restriction on what works can be done to the site. This are is larger than the area in direct ownership of Ministers You can find out more about scheduling here - www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support/listing-scheduling-and-designations/scheduled-monuments/what-is-scheduling/ and also about the consents here www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support/applying-for-consents/scheduled-monument-consent/
The legal scheduling document can be found here portal.historicenvironment.scot/apex/f?p=1505:300:::::VIEWTYPE,VIEWREF:designation,SM90054
Working with Urras nan Tursachan
Respond to a need from Urras nan Tursachan to redevelop their visitor centre, and the support for the project at UK and Scottish Government level ( through the Island Growth Deal – see www.islandsdeal.co.uk/supporting-growth-future-industries/outer-hebrides-destination-development ) HES has been working with UNT to see how we can collaborate to offer a better visitor offer, protect the site in the future and also how we can help people on the island. For this reasons we undertook the consultation (haveyoursay.historicenvironment.scot/development-partnership/calanais-consultation) ) last year to get peoples’ views our plans. I am sorry that you were not able to participate in the consultation.
Plans for fences
Currently my colleagues are looking at plans for a re-insertion of a path to mitigate damage from visitor footfall to the above and below ground elements of the property including buried archaeological remains. You asked specifically about high fences around the site. Beyond the path that we have no plans for further works. Without prejudice to future decisions, raising fences or similar works would impact the visual setting of the Stones. I would refer you to our statement of significance above where we stress the visual drama of the site and how that makes a significant contribution to the cultural significance of the monument.
Regards
HES
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