1 Inspections Programme
In April 2022, we launched a nationwide programme to inspect 206 sites in our care with masonry exceeding 1.4 metres* in height. Prioritising high-risk locations, we initially focused on 70 key sites.
Over the course of the two-year inspection programme, our specialist teams surveyed these properties across Scotland, meticulously examining the stonework by hand. We identified and are undertaking any necessary repairs, and while some sites still have access restrictions in place due to ongoing conservation work, over 90% of the sites in our care are now accessible to visitors.
This project is part of a broader piece of work to assess the condition of all 206 sites by early in 2026. We are progressing as planned, determining the scope of repairs required as the inspections take place. While some local access restrictions may be necessary while inspections and repairs take place, further site closures are not expected.
Since beginning the programme, we’ve inspected over 100 sites and reopened 59 where access restrictions were implemented, with more to reopen on a rolling basis. Take a look at a list of sites with restored access.
The background
We care for a diverse estate of over 300 historic properties across Scotland. Each site presents unique conservation challenges shaped by factors such as age, construction materials and location.
The changing climate is accelerating the deterioration of many of our historic buildings, with increasing instances of stonework decay and masonry fall posing risks to visitors, staff, and the fabric of the sites themselves. While this is a complex issue with multiple contributing factors, climate change is a significant driver in reassessing how we manage our properties.
To protect the public and our historic environment, HES has implemented a proactive programme of inspections and repairs. This has involved temporary site closures and access restrictions in some cases. These measures were essential to ensure the safety of visitors and staff while we assessed the condition of our properties and while we undertake any necessary conservation work identified.
Our dedicated teams have worked tirelessly to accelerate this vital programme, including carrying out inspections throughout the winter months to maximise progress. These actions demonstrate our determination to safeguard Scotland’s historic environment for future generations.
Inspections explained
Take a look behind the scenes at the biggest challenge facing Scotland's historic buildings
Find out more* The masonry level has since been increased to 1.5 metres.
2 Our Progress
Our high-level masonry project has progressed well, with the initial inspections on key sites completed in spring 2024. Some sites that we inspected needed relatively little work to make them accessible again, however, others will require more work before we can restore full access.
At inspected sites, essential safety work, including slate repairs, lightning conductor fixes, invasive weed removal and bedding of stones, has been completed where feasible to allow for partial reopening.
While undertaking the inspections and essential safety repairs, we've also been exploring innovative ways to share the stories of our temporarily closed sites. Enhanced on-site interpretation, including new signage, has been developed. Immersive experiences like 3D models, audio tours, and virtual trails also offer visitors fresh perspectives on these remarkable places until they can be fully explored.
Fencing lessons
Take a behind-the-scenes look at our work to add interpretation to sites affected by our high level masonry inspections
Find out moreWhat happens next
Since completing the initial priority inspections in March, our teams have continued assessing all structures over 1.4 metres at our sites. Ongoing repair work is being prioritised based on safety and conservation needs. As repairs progress, we will gradually increase access and reopen closed sites where it is safe to do so.
It’s important to remember that Scotland isn’t alone in facing these threats - the challenge of conserving historic buildings is global, and we are sharing our experiences and learnings with heritage organisations worldwide.
If you'd like to learn more about the inspections you can read our blogs explaining the project.
Our visit a place pages have up to date visitor information on access at sites and events taking place at our sites.
Moving Forward
Our High-Level Masonry Engagement Coordinator, Chloe Woodsford, takes a look behind the scenes at the work taking place to get sites ready for visitors in 2024.
Find out more3 Sites involved
The following is a list of sites undergoing inspections and where full access restrictions are in place:
Find out more about our inspection programmeAuchindoun Castle | Lochmaben Castle |
Cardoness Castle | Maybole Collegiate Church |
Castle of Old Wick | Orchardton Tower |
Edzell Castle | Ravenscraig Castle |
Eynhallow Church |
Seton Collegiate Church |
Kelso Abbey |
Last updated: 12 August 2024
Which sites can I visit?
Many of Scotland’s most-loved visitor attractions remain open, including Edinburgh Castle, Skara Brae, Stirling Castle, Fort George, Urquhart Castle and more.
Find out more4 Sites with access restored
The following is a list of sites where access has been restored, either fully or partially, since undergoing inspections and repairs where necessary. Work at these sites may also be ongoing. Please visit the site pages for more information on any restrictions that might remain in place.
Abbot's House, Arbroath | Grounds access only |
Aberdour Castle | Full access |
Arbroath Abbey | Grounds and visitor centre (including exhibition) open only |
Blackfriars Chapel | Full access |
Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace | Some access restrictions still in place |
Bothwell Castle | Some access restrictions remain in place to the Donjon Tower and Great Hall |
Burleigh Castle | Full access |
Caerlaverock Castle | No visitor access to the West range, outer stair, North West and East towers |
Carsluith Castle | Grounds accessible |
Castle Campbell | Full access |
Castle Sween | Full access |
Craigmillar Castle | Some minor access restrictions still in place |
Crichton Castle | Grounds accessible |
Cross Kirk, Peebles | Access restrictions around the tower |
Crossraguel Abbey | The grounds and shop are open. |
Cubbie Roo's Castle & St Mary's Chapel, Wyre | Cubbie Roo's Castle and some parts of the chapel graveyard are accessible |
Culross Abbey | No access to the upper gallery |
Dirleton Castle | Access restrictions to the Guard House, South entrance, De Vaux Tower and Ruthven Range |
Doune Castle | One minor access restrictions in place (non-HLM) |
Dryburgh Abbey | Full access |
Dumbarton Castle | Full access |
Dundonald Castle | Some restrictions still in place |
Dundrennan Abbey | Some restrictions still in place |
Dunfermline Abbey Nether Yett | Full access |
Elcho Castle | Full access |
Glenluce Abbey | Museum and part of grounds opened only |
Greenknowe Tower | Grounds accessible |
Hailes Castle | Grounds accessible |
Holyrood Abbey | Full access |
Inchcolm Abbey | One minor restriction to the South Transept remains in place |
Inchmahome Priory | Some restrictions still in place |
Inverlochy Castle | Some of the grounds are accessible, but no access to the castle. |
Jedburgh Abbey | No access to the viewing gallery |
Linlithgow Palace | No access to the King's Bed Chamber, Court Kitchen or the North Range |
Loch Doon Castle | Full access |
Lochleven Castle | Full access |
Lochranza Castle | Full access |
MacLellan's Castle | Grounds and shop open |
Maison Dieu Chapel, Brechin | Full access |
Melrose Abbey | Abbey grounds, cloister and museum are open |
Midhowe Chambered Cairn | Visitors can view the tomb via the raised walkways. Access restrictions for much of the ground level of the cairn |
Morton Castle | Full access |
Pierowall Church | Full access |
Rothesay Castle | Full access |
St Andrews Castle | No access to foretower |
St Andrews Cathedral | Access to museum, St Rules Tower and partial external access |
St Anthony's Chapel | Full access |
St Bride's Church | Full access |
St Bridget's Kirk | Inglis Aisle opened on weekends by Keykeeper |
St Magnus Church, Egilsay | One restriction to the interior of the tower |
St Ninian's Chapel | Full access |
Stirling Old Bridge | Full access |
Sweetheart Abbey | Cloister open only |
Tantallon Castle | Some minor restrictions in place at the doocot and the east tower. |
Threave Castle | Island and grounds are open, but no access to the castle |
Trinity House | Open for special events only |
Westside Church, Tuquoy | Full access |
Whithorn Priory | Temporary restrictions in place to the internal crypt and Lady Chapel areas (non-HLM) |
If you would like to know more about work already undertaken, we have published some of our high level masonry inspection reports that have been completed.
Last Updated: 12 August 2024