SIX of the world famous Lewis Chessmen will return to the island where they were found after an agreement between the Western Isles Council and the British museum.
They will feature in the permanent displays at the new £4.6 million Museum and Archive at Lews Castle, Stornoway, when it opens in 2014.
Thought to have originated in Scandinavia in the 12th century, 93 chessmen were found in the sands near Uig on the west coast of Lewis early in the 19th century.
Eighty two are held by the British Museum, the remaining 11 by the National Museum of Scotland.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: "The Chessmen are a significant part of our culture and an important symbol of European civilisation."
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