Successful first year for Old Man of Storr development

Highland Council’s new facilities at the famed Old Man of Storr in Skye have enjoyed a highly successful first year in operation.

A report which went before the Skye and Raasay Committee on Monday (1 September) outlined the achievements since Ionad an Stòir/The Storr Centre opened its doors last July.

Visitor numbers are up and the income streams from the site – through parking fees and sales - have exceeded initial expectations.

A surplus, net of costs, of £450,296 has been generated in a 12-month period.

Key progress to date includes:

• Visitor numbers have risen 43 per cent since 2022, with 293,000 people visiting in 2024
• Reinvestment has supported the path network and public conveniences.
• Six permanent jobs have been created
• Two Visitor Experience Supervisors, previously employed by VisitScotland, have recently been recruited
• Over 20 local suppliers have been supported and 150 local products offered, placing a strong focus on sustainability and quality.
• The project received Highland Council Convenor’s Award and TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards (2024 & 2025).

Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “The opening of Ionad an Stòir in 2024 represented a landmark achievement in sustainable, community-led development.

“The site at the Old Man of Storr is supporting jobs, promoting sustainable tourism and is improving the overall visitor experience at one of the island’s most famous attractions.

“As this report shows, the project has proven to be a tremendous success, with income streams supporting key local infrastructure and services.

“I congratulate everyone involved on all their work to date.”

As well as the retail and multi-purpose event space, the site offers provision of guided walks, an improved path network, new car parking, EV charging points, motorhome waste disposal and enhanced toilet facilities.

In addition to reinvestment directly at the Old Man of Storr site, income raised has also to date contributed £282,000 for road improvement projects across the ward, including to the Fairy Pools, Neist Point and Coral Beach and also towards supporting the ongoing employment of an Active Travel officer for Skye and Raasay.

The development at the Storr is now seen as a model for innovation, income generation and re-investment in services which can be replicated elsewhere.

Planning for the future is now well advanced.

Phase Two is underway with UK Shared Prosperity Funding helping to develop retail expansion, wedding services, and ecommerce.

Members agreed to note the achievements delivered at the Old Man of Storr site and support the continued development of this important initiative for the Skye and Raasay area.

Notes to editors

• Ionad an Stòir was substantially funded through the Islands Infrastructure Fund, with a contribution by the area’s ward discretionary budget.
• Complementary projects at the Old Man of Storr site received support from the Community Regeneration Fund, the Place-Based Investment Fund and the Coastal Communities Fund.
• This multi-source funding approach avoided the need for capital borrowing.

The full report on operational activities at the Old Man of Storr can be found here (item 13).

Ends