A castle museum and archive which is the culmination of a five-year regeneration project in the Outer Hebrides has been officially opened by the First Minister.
Nicola Sturgeon visited Lews Castle Museum and Archive project at Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis on Monday.
The opening marked the completion of a flagship cultural and economic regeneration project led by the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar local authority.
The £19.5 million project, undertaken over a five-year period, has fully restored Stornoway's main landmark building as a visitor and hospitality destination.
Since its public opening in July 2016, more than 34,000 people have visited the museum and archive.
Ms Sturgeon said: "The opening of the Lews Castle development is a historic occasion for Stornoway and the whole of the Outer Hebrides, and I'm delighted I could be part of the event.
"I'm pleased the Scottish Government and its agencies could provide funding to help restore this iconic castle to its former glory as well as providing a key cultural and heritage hub for the area."
Comhairle leader councillor Angus Campbell, also chair of the Lews Castle project board, said: "I am delighted that we are at the stage of officially opening this iconic Outer Hebrides landmark, which is a truly magnificent facility for visitors and residents alike.
"The castle has already proved to be hugely popular, as evidenced by the large numbers of visitors in the first few months.
"The Comhairle and the whole community can be extremely proud of what has been achieved and I am confident that the benefits of this substantial investment will be felt right across our islands in the years to come."
The 19th-century castle had lain vacant for almost 20 years and was at risk by the time the initial repair works started in 2012.
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