Shawbost Heritage Centre

The Shawbost Museum project centres on the conversion of a former kirk in West Lewis into a vibrant cultural museum celebrating the island’s crafting heritage. Although structurally sound, the building had been closed for around a decade and was beginning to deteriorate, prompting the need for sensitive refurbishment and expansion.

A full refurbishment of the kirk was combined with a new timber-kit extension, discreetly stabilised with steel portal frames to minimise visual impact. Careful structural interventions enabled the introduction of a mezzanine, feature trusses and a dedicated light-port annexe for a weaving loom. Associated works included new access, car parking and below-ground drainage, supporting the long-term reuse of the building as a community-focused museum.