News surrounding the reopening of Threave Castle Island and boat crossing has been warmly welcomed by Finlay Carson, MSP.
However the local constituency MSP has voiced his disappointment that the castle itself and several other key historical local monuments still have access restrictions imposed on them.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP highlighted the fact that Sweetheart Abbey, Dundrennan, McLellans Castle remain affected with visitors only allowed to visit certain areas.
Furthermore Cardoness Castle remains closed with no target opening date having, so far, been mentioned.
Mr Carson said: “While I am delighted that Threave Castle Island and boat crossing is now available to the public, Threave Castle and many others still have restrictions imposed on the public.
“This is obviously disappointing as most of these historical monuments are a major attraction in encouraging visitors to Dumfries and Galloway in the first place.
“It is important for the local hospitality and tourism sector that they are returned as quickly as possible although public safety is clearly of paramount importance.”
Work is continuing across the Historic Environment Scotland (HES) estate to inspect all sites with masonry and is scheduled to conclude in early 2026.
HES insist some local restrictions may be necessary to complete these inspections but it does not anticipate that any further closures will be necessary.
In a letter to Mr Carson, it said their technically skilled conservation teams are working hard to carry out the national programme of repairs at sites where issues were highlighted by inspection teams, as well as the ongoing conservation of the 336 properties in care.
A spokesperson warned, however, the heritage sector is currently experiencing resource scarcity in many areas and we are no exception.
The official said: “Staff trained in traditional building skills, equipment and building materials are just some of the resources which are in short supply, which has a direct effect on how quickly we can deliver conservation related projects.
“We will continue to increase access at sites when resource allows and when it is safe to do so. Conservation works unrelated to the High-Level Masonry project routinely take place across our Properties in Care, and these can also occasionally cause access restrictions.
“For example, access to St Ninian’s Cave is currently restricted due to descaling works to the natural rockface. The site cannot safely reopen to visitors until these works have concluded.
Across the HES estate, there is currently full or partial access to over 93% of our sites (314 of 336).
In the Galloway and West Dumfries area, 26 out of 30 sites have full or partial access, with 4 properties still restricted to visitors due to conservation works related to safety concerns (Cardoness Castle, Orchardton Tower, St Ninian’s Cave and Threave Castle).
HES continues to engage with local communities and stakeholders in areas affected by access restrictions, such as the South of Scotland Destination Alliance and South of Scotland Enterprise, to ensure they’re aware of its approach and progress. We have also been involved in recent discussions on the development of the Whithorn Place Plan.
