CRAIG Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has raised concerns with the Scottish Government and Historic Environment Scotland on the future of three East Lothian castles which have been closed indefinitely due to erosion caused by climate change.
Hailes Castle, Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle were closed in January due to high rates of deterioration, partly caused by issues relating to climate change.
The castles are among East Lothian’s most popular visitor attractions, attracting over 75,000 visitors per year before the coronavirus pandemic.
Hoy said: “I believe these castles should be reopened as soon as possible, and it is worrying that Scottish Ministers and Historic Environment Scotland have refused set out a timetable to reassure local business-owners and residents. It feels like the reopening of these castles, which are key local attractions and contribute to local businesses and the economy, is being kicked into the long grass. This will undermine tourism, visitor numbers and local growth.”
After significant concerns were raised in the community about the implications that the indefinite closure of the castles are having on local businesses and livelihoods in the Dirleton and North Berwick areas, Mr Hoy contacted Historic Environment Scotland and Scottish Ministers. He requested a timetable to be set out on the reopening the castles, asked about funding options to reopen the castles sooner, and requested a meeting to discuss the issue in more detail.
Dr David Mitchell, Director of Conservation at Historic Environment Scotland, responded to Mr Hoy by saying: “As I’m sure you’re aware, we have a large number of sites to cover and need to prioritise these nationally and with the resources we have available. We are undertaking that prioritisation at present with an initial focus on higher risk sites and then on the basis of other factors - including economic and community impact.
“You will appreciate that we have similar requests from other communities so it is our intention to be transparent about the process. We are not able to discuss a timetable at this point but please be assured that we will maintain partial access wherever we are able to safely and are also looking at other ways to engage people throughout 2022.
“I realise this must be frustrating for residents and local businesses but I hope this helps to clarify our current situation and of course we will post updates on our website, to our members and via the media as soon as we have more information to share. We have this week been able to identify a technical solution at Seton Collegiate Church which will enable weddings here to continue.”
Neil Gray MSP, Scottish Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development, told Mr Hoy: “The Scottish Government provides Historic Environment Scotland with considerable funding: a total of £72.9m in 2020-21 and £75.9m in 2021-22. Historic Environment Scotland is responding to the safety concerns identified at the properties in care using its existing resources of both Government funding and other income.
“I can confirm that while there is restricted access at these specific sites in East Lothian, there is still public access available to the grounds of Tantallon Castle, and to the grounds, exhibition and shop of Dirleton Castle.”
Mr Hoy said: “I am pleased that Seton Collegiate Church has now been reopened for weddings, and that public access is available to the grounds of Tantallon Castle, and to the grounds, exhibition and shop of Dirleton Castle.
“But it is still deeply disappointing that Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government have refused to provide a timetable on the full reopening of Hailes Castle, Tantallon Castle and Dirleton Castle.
“I will continue to press Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government to reopen the three castles as soon as possible, and have organised a meeting with Dr Mitchell from Historic Environment Scotland to discuss this.”
