The second phase of Ionad an Stoir, The Storr Centre, has officially opened at the Old Man of Storr on Skye, expanding facilities at one of Scotland’s most visited natural landmarks.
The new development opened on Wednesday 12 August and adds a multipurpose room for community events and weddings alongside an expanded retail space showcasing products from local businesses.
The project received £550,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and follows the opening of The Storr Centre in 2024.
More than 300,000 people visited the Old Man of Storr during 2025, while income from parking and retail sales at the council operated site has exceeded initial expectations.
Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said:
“It is fantastic to see phase two complete at Ionad an Stoir, 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.”
The new multipurpose room will be available for art exhibitions, book signings, community events and wedding ceremonies, giving the centre a role beyond serving visitors to the famous landscape.
Its expanded retail area now showcases products from more than 25 local suppliers, keeping a greater share of visitor spending within Skye and the wider Highlands.
New products include The Storr whisky, produced with Raasay Distillery, while bespoke tartan blankets and scarves created with Lochcarron Weavers are also due to become available.
Iain Angus Design has supplied sustainably branded clothing and bags exclusively for the centre, while an online shop has also recently been launched.
The wider site includes guided walks with Storr Rangers, improved paths, parking for cars and motorhomes, electric vehicle charging, motorhome waste disposal and enhanced toilet facilities.
Development of the visitor facilities has created six permanent full time jobs and one permanent part time position, while more than 20 local suppliers and over 150 local products have been supported through the project.
Income generated at The Storr has also been reinvested in facilities including the path network and public conveniences, while Visitor Experience Rangers carry out environmental and path maintenance.
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.”
The Storr development received the Highland Council Convenor’s Award in 2024 and has received TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Awards in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
With hundreds of thousands of people already making the journey each year, the expanding centre is increasingly turning the popularity of one of Skye’s great landmarks into jobs, local trade and investment back into the place itself.
