Redevelopment
The Hebrides People Visitor Centre in Northton is closed while it is rebuilt. The new centre is due to open in April 2028.
Still open while we build
Our Cò Leis Thu? genealogy service, the online database and the online shop carry on as normal throughout the works. You can still trace your family, order a family tree or buy books from anywhere in the world.
20 August 2026
The centre closed
September 2026
Building work started
April 2028
The new centre opens
£8.25 million
Secured for the project
What is being built
The redevelopment turns the centre into a modern, accessible heritage centre for the people, stories, culture and genealogy of the Outer Hebrides.
- Larger exhibition spaces, including new exhibitions on the People of Harris and the People of St Kilda
- Modern research facilities, with the archive safeguarded and easier to use
- Accommodation for students and researchers working with the records
- Better facilities for visitors, and space for learning and community use
The archive at the heart of it all brings together Gaelic oral tradition and written records gathered by Bill Lawson over more than 60 years.
How we got here
January 2022
The Scottish Land Fund awards £239,000 to buy The Old School House and three areas of land in Northton.
Late 2024
Planning permission is granted for the redevelopment.
February 2025
The National Lottery Heritage Fund gives £86,015 in development funding, and two new staff join to sort the archive and build a volunteer team.
August 2026
The full £8,254,746 is secured and the building contract is signed. The centre closes on 20 August, with a community farewell on 28 August.
September 2026
The first turf is cut, with our founder Bill Lawson as guest of honour.
April 2028
The new Hebrides People Visitor Centre opens.
Who is paying for it
- Islands Growth Deal: £4,340,000
- Regeneration Capital Grant Fund: £1,850,000
- The National Lottery Heritage Fund: £1,214,746
- Highlands and Islands Enterprise: £850,000
Thank you to every funder, and to our shareholders, whose community share offer helped bring the plans this far.
Who is building it
- Main contractor: Lewis Builders
- Design team lead: Tighean Innse Gall
- Architects: Studio Hebrides
- Exhibition design: Bright
News from the build
Be part of it
Volunteers, donations and book sales all help keep Hebrides People going while the centre is closed.
