Comhairle nan Eilean Siar - Western Isles Council has applied for permission to undertake a programme of external repairs to Lews Castle near Stornoway.

The local authority is looking to secure planning and listed building consent for the scheme, which will ensure the building is made weather-proof ahead of proposed interior work.

It forms part of the council's wider bid to develop the A-listed castle into a museum, archive and hospitality venue. Malcolm Fraser Architects has been appointed to lead a design team.

Simpson and Brown Architects will also be involved with the scheme, which will be funded by the council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The main development proposals are due to go on display later this summer, while the local authority has announced that site investigations are scheduled to start in late April.