New retail and exhibition facility opens at Old Man of Storr

L-R Matt Bailey, councillor John Finlayson, Amy Smith, and Allan Gunn – the Storr’ project team

THE Ionad an Stòir (The Storr Centre) has been officially opened at the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye by the Highland Council.

Built in Barra by Modular West, the facility 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.

Isle of Skye and Raasay area committee chair, councillor 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.”