CONSERVATION work is underway on an unusual three-sided castle from the 13th Century in the south of Scotland.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced work had begun at Caerlaverock Castle, near Dumfries, on the staircase and north west tower of the ancient building on Monday.
HES added that access to the interior of the castle would be restricted but the grounds, play parks and visitor centre could be visited free of charge.
Activities are also being developed for visitors to take part in including cyanotype photography, paper crafting, and a display of archive photographs.
Caerlaverock Castle was built in the 1270s and features an unusual triangular shape which is uncommon among other castles across the UK.
Rosie Thorp, district visitor and community manager at HES, said she understands visitors will be keen to get back inside the castle but stressed the work is key for its preservation.
She said: “Originally built in the 1270s, Caerlaverock Castle is a hugely important site in Dumfries and Galloway, and these measures are necessary to facilitate vital conservation works.
“We understand that visitors will be eager to get back inside the castle, however, this work is part of the important maintenance of the historic site.
“While we aim to reopen the interior of the Castle in spring, visitors can continue to enjoy the breathtaking views of Caerlaverock Castle, with its unique triangular shape, and explore the visitor centre where they can find out more about this outstanding, historic location.”
Caerlaverock Castle was besieged and captured on a number of occasions, but the best-known sieges were in 1300 and 1640 with the first involving Edward I and the latter lasting for 13 weeks before the occupants finally surrendered.
After the castle surrendered it was stripped of fixtures and fittings and its south curtain wall demolished so it could never again be used as a place of defence.
