Na h-Eileanan an Iar SNP MP Angus MacNeil met today with Historic Scotland to discuss the reopening of Kisimul Castle in advance of the Homecoming events planned for June where many descendants families of those who left for Canada in 1923 are expected in Barra.

Commenting Angus Brendan MacNeil said:

“I am extremely disappointed and in fact angry with Historic Scotland who have made absolutely no progress on Kisimul Castle since they met with the community last summer in Castlebay Hall. They were told at this meeting about the importance of the Castle being available for the Homecoming events taking place in June 2023. A year later and no work at all has been carried out on the Castle.

“There has been no urgency, no care or thought from Historic Scotland about the community or the people coming to visit. For some descendants of families who left in 1923 it will be a once in a lifetime trip and with weeks to go before the Homecoming events, Historic Scotland are still passive and careless about the Castle.

“Having bureaucrats over to measure or look at things with no greater intention than snail’s pace progress is a slap in the face from Historic Scotland to the island and those wishing to visit the Castle.

“I doubt my words, or anyone else’s words will have much effect in encouraging Historic Scotland to carry out work in the next few weeks before the Homecoming. I asked if it was possible for people to at least enter the courtyard but in a metaphoric shrug of the shoulders was told that will not be allowed either.

“There will be a lot of disappointment felt by those visiting next month because of the lack of care and professionalism from Historic Scotland.”

ENDS