Six of the world-famous Lewis chessmen will go on permanent display on the island when a new museum opens.
The medieval playing pieces will be the available to view at the Lews Castle Museum and Archive after it opens in 2014.
An arrangement between Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and the British Museum will ensure the chessmen stay on the island where they were discovered in 1831.
Archie Campbell, chairman of the Comhairle’s sustainable development, said: "The Comhairle is committed to raising the profile of the rich heritage and culture of the Outer Hebrides.
"These amazing little pieces will undoubtedly attract new visitors to the islands and once they are here visitors will find there is a lot more to see, enjoy and learn.
"Heritage is one of our most important assets and will make an increasing contribution to the economy of the islands."
The display will be the centrepiece of a £4.6m development at Lews Castle supported by National Museums Scotland and the British Museum.
Neil Macgregor, director of the British Museum, said: "The loan of some of the chessmen and other objects from the British Museum is part of a long-term partnership with our colleagues at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
"We are delighted to be partnering the council on the redevelopment of Lews Castle and the partnership gallery which promises to be a major attraction for the Western Isles."
There are 78 chessmen in total, and they are thought to have been crafted in Norway some time in the 12th century. The British Museum currently has 67 of the pieces with the remaining 11 on display in the Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh.
A 2011 exhibition of the chessmen at Stornoway's Museum nan Eilean attracted over 23,000 visitors in five months.
