The second phase of Highland Council’s new facilities at the Old Man of Storr on the Isle of Skye officially opened today, Wednesday 12 August.
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- Multi-purpose space which can be used for community events and weddings.
- Extended retail space showcasing additional local suppliers and products.
- Funding from UK Shared Prosperity Fund has enhanced world-famous site.
- Council-operated facilities welcomed more than 300,000 visitors in 2025.
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. The additional development continues the success story of Ionad an Stòir/The Storr Centre since it opened its doors in 2024.
Ionad an Stòir/The Storr Centre (Phase 2) has received £550,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund which has supported the development of an increased retail space and multipurpose room at the site.
Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “It is fantastic to see phase two complete at Ionad an Stòir, a world-famous site which is supporting jobs, promoting sustainable tourism, and improving the overall visitor experience at one of the island’s most popular attractions.
“The project has proven to be a tremendous success, with income streams supporting key local infrastructure and services.”
Councillor Ken Gowans, Vice Convener of the Council and Chair of Economy and Infrastructure Committee said: “Since it opened in 2024, the project has shown itself as a fantastic example of innovative but sustainable development, delivered through strong partnership working between council, government and the community.
“I congratulate everyone involved on all their work to date and look forward to seeing the project go from strength to strength as a much-valued asset for Skye, Highland, and Scotland.”
Phase two of the project contains:
- A multi-purpose room which will be used for events including art exhibitions, book signings, community events, and wedding ceremonies.
- An extended retail space which showcases products from over 25 local suppliers.
As well as the new retail and multi-purpose space, the site offering includes guided walks by Storr Rangers, an improved path network, car and motorhome parking, EV charging points, motorhome waste disposal, and enhanced toilet facilities.
Supporting local business
The positive impact of The Storr Centre's commitment to supporting local businesses continues to grow, with new products now available including exclusive The Storr whisky, produced in partnership with Raasay Distillery, and soon to be available The Storr bespoke tartan products including blankets and scarves, created in collaboration with Lochcarron Weavers.
Local designer, Iain Angus Design, has supplied The Storr with sustainably branded sweatshirts, hoodies, and tote bags, exclusively available at The Storr. These collaborations help strengthen local supply chains, support Highland businesses, and ensure that visitor spending delivers benefits across the wider region.
Customers can also purchase retail products from the recently launched online shop at thestorr.com.
More than 300,000 visitors enjoyed the highly popular Old Man of Storr in 2025, cementing its status as one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Income streams from the site – through parking charges and retail sales - have exceeded initial expectations. 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.
Key progress to date includes:
- Visitor numbers continue to rise, with more than 300,000 visitors to the site in 2025.
- Reinvestment in the site has supported the path network and public conveniences.
- Visitor Experience Rangers continue to undertake extensive path and environmental maintenance, along with visitor engagement on site.
- Six permanent full-time jobs and one part time permanent job have been created because of the developments at The Storr.
- Over 20 local suppliers have been supported and over 150 local products offered, with a strong focus on sustainability and quality within the product range.
The project received Highland Council Convenor’s Award in 2024 and has been awarded TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards (2024, 2025, and 2026).
-ends-
Above: Left to right – Allan Gunn, Assistant Chief Executive, Corporate; Amy Smith, Business Development Lead; Sheila Armstrong, Chief Officer Revenues and Commercialisation; John Maclean, Business Development Lead (The Storr); Cllr Ken Gowans, Chair Economy and Infrastructure Committee; Cllr John Finlayson, Chair Isle of Skye and Raasay Area Committee.
Above: Members of The Storr Team - left to right, Emma Grieve, Jordan Young, Christina MacDonald, Ilana Paterson, John Maclean (business development lead, the Storr).
Above: Ceitidh Douglas, local accordion player.
Left to right: Allan Gunn, Assistant Chief Executive, Corporate, Cllr John Finlayson, Chair Isle of Skye and Raasay Area Committee, Matt Bailey, Strategic Lead Commercialisation, Amy Smith, Business Development Lead, Cllr Drew Millar, Vice-Chair Isle of Skye and Raasay Area Committee, Sheila Armstrong, Chief Officer Revenues and Commercialisation and John Maclean, Business Development Lead (The Storr).