Lews Castle in Isle of Lewis, Scotland, is starring a brand new TV show that is airing on Monday 9th March.The three-part series is in collaboration with The National Lottery and will launch on Sky HISTORY. The observational documentary follows presenter Rick Edwards as he ventures inside some of the UK’s most spectacular and endangered castles, including Lews Castle, and explore the work that has gone into, and is still going into preserving some of our most important landmarks.
Standing proudly above Stornoway harbour, Lews Castle has recently completed a £4.6 million National Lottery-funded restoration, transforming the once-derelict 19th-century landmark into a world-class museum celebrating the stories of the Outer Hebrides.
The ambitious project combined traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge conservation techniques to carefully restore the castle’s historic fabric, while reimagining its interiors with contemporary exhibition design, digital interpretation and climate-controlled displays.
Presented by Rick Edwards, Great British Castle Rescue shines a light on these magnificent buildings, the important role they have played in our history, and the journey they have been on. In their lifetime, they have faced battles, fires, crumbling stonework, looting and centuries of wear – but careful restoration has allowed some of them to reopen their doors to the public while others are just beginning their revival.
The survival of many of these mighty landmarks has been powered by National Lottery funding, made possible by players who raise an incredible £32 million every week for good causes.
Since the first draw in 1994, National Lottery players have funded around £200 million of investments into castle restoration projects, breathing new life into historic buildings across the UK, that might otherwise have been lost to time.
Simon Thurley, Chair of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and one of the series’ historians, comments:
“Castles are extraordinary witnesses to our history, but they are also vulnerable buildings that require constant care. Thanks to National Lottery players, around £200 million has been invested in restoring castles across the UK since 1994.
“By supporting the preservation of these remarkable places we’re also creating jobs and volunteering opportunities, ensuring important heritage skills are kept alive and contributing to the tourist economy of the area. From Lews to Hay, castles across the UK are there for everyone to enjoy, now and for generations to come.”
Castles saved, stories revealed
From Norman fortresses to medieval strongholds, the castles featured in the programme tell a powerful story of how National Lottery funding helps protect the places that shape our national story, and the innovation and engineering behind it.
Lews, Isle of Lewis, has been transformed with £4.6 million of National Lottery funding, restoring Lews Castle’s exterior and creating a world-class museum dedicated to the stories of the Outer Hebrides.
Its history is deeply connected to the Lolaire disaster of 1919, when a ship carrying servicemen home from the First World War sank off the coast, claiming more than 200 lives and devastating the island of Lewis in a single night. Many left the island to make lives for themselves elsewhere.
Mary Anne MacLeod was one of those who left, moving to New York where she later started a family and had a son called Donald Trump.
The castle also tells the story of the famous Lewis Chessmen – part of a hoard of 93 medieval gaming pieces, likely crafted in Norway in the 12th or 13th century. Today, the restored castle preserves these powerful stories and the voices of islanders for generations to come.
Rick Edwards, presenter of Great British Castle Rescue commented:
“I’ve always loved castles, but making this series showed me just how close some of these incredible buildings have come to being lost. Behind the battlements there are amazing stories of survival and restoration happening right now. I really hope the show inspires people to get out and explore these fantastic buildings for themselves.”
During National Lottery Open Week, anyone with a National Lottery ticket can enjoy free or discounted entry and special offers at hundreds of National Lottery-funded venues across the UK, including over 40 incredible castles across the UK.
All you need to take part is a National Lottery ticket – whether it’s Lotto, EuroMillions, Set For Life, Thunderball or a Scratchcard.
