Return of the Lewis Chessmen

Planning is now well underway for the return of some enigmatic visitors to the Isle of Lewis.

The world famous Lewis Chessmen, which were discovered in Uig on the west coast of the island in 1831, will make a return journey on April 15^th 2011 where they will stay until September 12^th 2011. 2011 is already gearing up to be a significant year for the islands with Western Isles Council being a partner host of the ‘Scotland’s Islands 2011’, the Royal National Mod being hosted in October 2011.

Optimism is also growing over the Celtic Media Festival being held in Stornoway in April of the year and the possibility of a port visit to Stornoway from the Tall Ships in July 2011.

The return of the Chessmen in 2011 will have economic benefits for the Western Isles and it is hoped that the exhibition has the potential to reach the youngest to the oldest members of the community.

National Museums Scotland has secured financial support from the Scottish Executive, supported by £3000 contribution from each partner, for a touring exhibition of the Lewis Chessmen from National Museum Scotland and British Museum collections.

The exhibition entitled ‘The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked’ will open in Edinburghin May 2010 and then travel to Aberdeen, Shetland and the Western Isles.

The aim of the exhibition is to make these treasures as widely available to audiences throughout Scotland.

Chair of Sustainable Development Committee, Councillor Archie Campbell commented:

“For Museum nan Eilean this heralds a year of intense preparation, including planning with the tour partners, the sourcing of additional funding to ensure a high quality outreach programme is delivered, ensuring strict security arrangements are in place and that the Museum itself is in top condition for not only hosting and caring for the Chessmen but that they can host major national and international collections in the future. I am delighted that they are returning to the islands and it will bring enormous benefits not only economically but culturally”.

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