St Kilda visitor centre plans need millions of pounds in funding

Plans to build a visitor centre dedicated to St Kilda needs millions of pounds in funding, those behind the project have said.

Planning permission has been secured for a site in Uig, Lewis - more than 40 miles (64km) from the remote archipelago.

The idea for a centre is 17 years old and costs have risen from about £6m to more than £10m.

Once built, it would give visitors insights into the environment of the islands, and the lives of people who lived there until 1930.

Iain Buchanan, chairman of Ionad Hiort, the organisation behind the plans, said he had written to the Scottish and UK governments to emphasise the importance of the scheme.

He said: "The next few months are crucial.

"From now until the end of this year it's crucial that we manage to raise some money, match funding to meet the public funding we're hoping for.

"We're looking to have to raise five to six million ourselves."

He added: "If we don't achieve some of that before the end of this year then it's going to be a critical moment for the project."