South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth recently met Historic Environment Scotland (HES) to discuss the future of the many closed historic sites in Dumfries and Galloway.
In the Dumfries and Galloway area, access has been restricted at a number of historic properties due to safety concerns.
Colin Smyth raised concerns in the Scottish Parliament with Culture Secretary Angus Robertson over the lack of progress in carrying out work to make the sites safe and open to the public.
He has now met with senior managers of HES, including Director of Operations Craig Mearns at Caerlaverock castle, where the local MSP was able to see the repairs being carried out to the historic building’s staircase and north-west tower.
The local MSP described the meeting as “hugely constructive” with HES pledging that for 2025, 30 out of 33 of their sites in Dumfries and Galloway will have full or partial access.
Colin Smyth said: “The meeting with Historic Environment Scotland was hugely constructive, and I’m pleased that senior directors took the time to visit Dumfries and Galloway to hear my concerns about the number of sites still closed to the public.
“I fully understand that public safety must come first — we can’t have people visiting sites that aren’t safe.
“However, these closures have gone on far too long, and Dumfries and Galloway has been hit harder than any other part of Scotland.
“I welcome the commitment from HES that 30 out of their 33 sites in the region will have full or partial access in 2025 — that’s a step forward. But it still means three sites will remain completely closed, and nine others will have ongoing works that limit access.
“Progress is being made, but I’ve urged HES to publish a clear timetable for completing repairs at all sites.
“Tourism is a vital part of our local economy, and getting these historic attractions fully open would make a real difference to the visitor experience.”
The status of the individual sites in Dumfries and Galloway, including any programmed seasonal re-openings and planned works, is as follows:
Fully Open
Twenty-one sites are fully open with no restrictions, these being:
- Barsalloch Fort,
- Cairn Holy 1 & 2,
- Chapel Finian,
- Druchtag Motte,
- Drumcoltran Tower,
- Drumtroddan Cup & Ring Mark Rocks,
- Drumtroddan Standing Stones,
- Kirkconnel Stones,
- Kirkmadrine Stones,
- Laggangarn Standing Stones,
- Lincluden Collegiate Church,
- Merkland Cross,
- Morton Castle,
- New Abbey Corn Mill,
- Rispain Camp,
- Ruthwell Cross,
- St Ninian’s Chapel,
- Torhouse Stone Circle,
- Wanlockhead Beam Engine,
- Whithorn Museum and Crosses,
- Wren’s Egg.
Restricted
Nine sites are open with access restrictions, although most of these have substantial access. Inc:
- Carsluith Castle – The grounds are open, but the interior will not reopen in the short term due to masonry and access gallery defects.
- Caerlaverock Castle – The grounds, Visitor Centre, and Castle exterior are currently open and much of interior are open but scaffolding is in place where work is being carried out. HES plan to open more of the castle’s interior once inspections and repairs are completed.
- Dundrennan Abbey – The majority of site is accessible, with the Abbey and stone store accessible, with minor restrictions.
- Glenluce Abbey – The museum and part of the grounds are open.
- MacLellan’s Castle – The grounds and shop were open in 2024. Scaffold has now been put in place at the SE tower, and inspections have begun to specify repair works. HES hope to provide some internal access latterly in 2025. HES are looking to support the Clan MacLellan visit from the US as a ‘homecoming event’ in 2026.
- Orchardton Tower – The interior of the site has just reopened, and the majority of grounds are accessible.
- Sweetheart Abbey & Precinct Walls – Reconfiguration of fencing to permit increased access to the Nave is currently in progress, and to be completed later this spring. Long term masonry project in the tower is ongoing.
- Threave Castle – The exterior of the castle and island were open 2024. Scaffold is currently being erected for internal inspections of the castle to specify works to allow the reopening of the interior. It is particularly difficult site with the logistics of access for scaffold and works. Damage caused in recent storms will delay opening for 2025 season slightly.
- Whithorn Priory – The site is predominantly open, however the Crypt interior and the Lady Chapel are not accessible. HES are looking at the possibility of these areas being open latterly in 2025. The carved stone museum re-opened on 1st April as usual.
Closed
Three sites remain closed at present. Their status is as follows:
- Cardoness Castle – HES monument conservation unit and rope access specialists have just completed the first programme of works by consolidating masonry to the wall heads following from the initial high-level masonry survey. A further inspection is required to specify the next phase of works prior to reopening. Repair needs have proved to be extensive at this site.
- Lochmaben Castle – The public can drive along side of site to adjacent car park by loch but the entire property is Heras fenced. It is a problematic site with the extent of loose material across site limiting inspection.
- St Ninian’s Cave – Rock inspections and subsequent scaling works have been completed. HES are currently carrying out risk assessments under our newly updated rock policy to look at the possibility of reopening in 2025.
