CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has today welcomed an announcement by Historic Environment Scotland that inspections will begin for Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle on Monday as work progresses towards reopening.
Mr Hoy attended an engagement meeting with representatives from Historic Environment Scotland at Kirk Hall, Dirleton, today to discuss the plans.
Hoy said: “I am delighted to learn that work is set towards reopening Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle on Monday.
“I met with representatives from Historic Environment Scotland in Dirleton who were very forthcoming about the reasons for the castle closures which is due to the risk of loose high-level masonry across sites in Scotland potentially posing a threat to life.
“Historic Environment Scotland have confirmed that assessment reports will be complete in February, and from there, they will be able to provide better clarity on the amount of work needed towards reopening Dirleton Castle and Tantallon Castle.
“Unfortunately, there are complex challenges at Hailes Castle which will take some time to resolve, however I am keen to keep the pressure on and for the castle to be reopened as soon as feasibly possible.”
The grounds of Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle are currently open free-of-charge for visitors, and Historic Environment Scotland have stated that a total of 37,000 people visited Tantallon Castle in 2022.
