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Proposed new WITPG Museum
and Workshop
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Because of
limited transport renovation and exhibition facilities within the Outer
Hebrides, the Western Isles Transport Preservation Group is
currently working on proposals to build a new workshop and museum in the
Isle of Lewis. When completed, the new facilities will better
equip the organisation to develop a range of existing and new transport
preservation projects, as well as providing a high quality museum and
education resource. |
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Outline Front Elevation
of new building |
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Brief for proposed Workshop/Museum |
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The proposed
building is to be located on the Lochs road, opposite Macaulay Farm
(Stornoway side of the loch). A lease for the required land has been
obtained (in principal) from The Stornoway Trust |
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The proposed
Workshop/Museum will be a building in which old transport vehicles that
form part of our transport heritage can be restored and displayed for
the general public. Archive material will also be exhibited,
including: photos; articles on firms that used plant and commercial
vehicles, as well as artefacts relating to road, sea or air transport in
the Western Isles. Also featured within the building will be a library,
conference room and viewing gallery on the 1st floor. |
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On the skills
side, training in spraying, auto electrics, welding, etc, for members or
the public will be offered. Training facilities for disadvantaged
individuals or groups will also be available through joint initiatives
with relevant agencies. Apprentices undertaking a vehicle related
trade will also be trained within the building under supervision from
the Lews Castle College. A key advantage for the WITPG will be
that while apprentices gain excellent skills and experience within the
isles, they are also helping to preserve Club vehicles for future
generations. |
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Providing it
meets WITPG's aims and rules, members and non-members will be able to
use the club's workshop facilities to restore their own vehicles or
plant. Space within the building will be made available for such
projects, with a monthly rent paid during the period of the restoration
project. Following restoration, such vehicles can be displayed in
the museum. |
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WITPG has
submitted its proposals to the Local Enterprise Company (H.I.E. Innis
Gall), as well as the Heritage Lottery and Big Lottery. We have
also spoken to the local authority (Comhairle nan Eilean Siar) and will
be contacting private funding sources. Initial drawings have been made,
(as outlined on this page). The first floor will consist of a Library,
Conference room and a Viewing Gallery situated over the workshop and
display area. We also hope to have a café and shop. |
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In partnership
with WITPG, the pit lane will be used one week each month by the Vehicle
Inspectorate (V.O.S.A.) to test heavy vehicles. |
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Although this
building project has major cost implications for WITPG, we believe that
the proposed Workshop-Museum will be of enormous benefit to the Western
Isles and will do much to help preserve our unique transport heritage.
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Floor Plan |
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Supporting
our Transport Heritage |
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