Finlay Carson MSP is concerned it and other heritage sites run by Historic Environment Scotland (HES) may never reopen.
He has questioned reduced government spending on heritage and said: “It beggars belief as to why many of these attractions will remain closed for potentially another years as a direct result of a lack of financial resources to allow them to reopen to the public. Many local businesses rely heavily on these sites being open but now face huge uncertainty as to whether this will happen.”
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP added: “What is also extremely worrying is the fact there is no date for this work to be completed. Are we looking at many of these sites remaining closed next summer?”
HES’s specialist teams have been out and about at affected sites all over Scotland, surveying the high areas of these monuments and checking the stonework by hand.
It claims its programme has progressed well with partial inspections carried out at Lochmaben Castle, MacLellan’s Castle and Sweetheart Abbey. Caerlaverock Castle remains closed although its grounds and shop remain open.
