Hopes are rising that key historic sites in Dumfries and Galloway are on course to reopen to visitors after years behind fences and scaffolding.
Government agency Historic Environment Scotland, which looks after hundreds of properties around the country, says it is making “good progress” at sites in the area, with some potentially due to be open again next Spring.
However, those with more complicated masonry issues are likely to remain at least partly restricted to visitors while work continues.
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The Herald told last week how tourists, including some who had made transatlantic clan pilgrimages to specific sites, had left disappointed after being met by no entry signs and holiday photographs blighted by buildings shrouded in fencing and scaffolding.
While across the country, around 15% of HES properties are either closed or partly restricted to visitor due to masonry inspections or conservation work.
HES say among the sites which are now fully open is St Ninian’s Chapel, which along with Whithorn Priory has had its fencing removed, while Glenluce Abbey, currently closed for winter, has visitor access available to the exterior and grounds.
It's hoped two of region’s most recognisable sites will provide access to visitors next year, including further areas of 13th century Sweetheart Abbey in Dumfries, which is the midst of a major conservation programme, and Threave Castle where an internal masonry inspection is complete and repairs to the jetty are being finalised.
Visitors are also expected to be able to return to Cardoness Castle next year with localised masonry repairs at wall head level complete and scaffolding now removed.
The castle is a key attraction for international members of Clan MacCulloch.
However, access restrictions remain at Caerlaverock Castle where conservation work and masonry inspections are still taking place while HES say options are being explored to provide access to the interior of Carsluith Castle.
While there are renewed hopes that a major clan gathering planned for next year at 16th century MacLellan’s Castle in Kirkcudbright may be able to go ahead, with major masonry conservation work now underway at the site.
The organisers had previously indicated the event was in jeopardy.
An HES spokesperson said the organisation recognises the importance of its sites to visitors and the region’s local communities, adding: “We are committed to offering the best and most accessible visitor experience possible.
“While there are a number of sites in the region where visitor access is still restricted, we are continuing to make good progress with our programme of inspections and implementation of measures to enable reopening or increased access at these sites.”
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