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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Stuart Gillespie

Grounds of historic Dumfries and Galloway landmark set to reopen after inspection complete

The grounds of Threave Castle are set to reopen.

Access to the landmark on the outskirts of Castle Douglas was cut off last year due to concerns over the condition of its masonry.

However, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has now completed its investigation and is finalising plans for the grounds to reopen.

It’s also working on plans to reopen the grounds of Dundrennan Abbey and the shop at Cardoness Castle near Gatehouse, although the sites themselves have still to be inspected.

The shop at MacLellan’s Castle in Kirkcudbright reopened on Monday, with an inspection planned for June, while the grounds and exterior of Carsluith Castle reopened in February after it was inspected.

The cloister at Sweetheart Abbey in New Abbey have remained open and this weekend there will be performances from Lady Devorgilla and a monk to mark the site’s 750th anniversary.

HES closed a number of sites to the public last year due to the state of their masonry, with the nature of the buildings meaning inspections can take more than a month.

Director of operations at HES, Craig Mearns, said: “Dumfries and Galloway is home to some of the country’s most significant heritage sites and I am delighted to announce that we are increasing access to some sites where it is safe to do so.

“We are working as quickly as we can to roll out our nationwide programme of inspections, and we appreciate the public’s patience while we undertake this necessary work.

“Our specialist team is progressing with inspections in the area, with MacLellan’s Castle, Dundrennan Abbey and Cardoness Castle due to be inspected in the coming months.

“The inspection results for Carsluith Castle will now be analysed to inform any interventions or repairs that will be required in order to provide additional visitor access to the historic sits, and I would ask visitors to check our website for the latest information.”

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