1 Inspections Programme
In April 2022, we launched a nationwide programme to inspect 200+ sites in our care with masonry exceeding 1.5 metres in height. Prioritising high-risk locations, we initially focused on 70 key sites.
Over the course of the inspection programme, our specialist teams surveyed 205 properties across Scotland, meticulously examining the stonework by hand to identify any necessary repairs. The programme finished ahead of schedule in early 2026.
Restrictions are still in place at some of our sites to ensure everyone is safe while our teams work hard to progress identified repairs. 95% of the sites in our care are now accessible to visitors and access will continue to improve once it is safe to do so - take a look at a list of sites with restored access.
Now, in 2026, we’re starting a new phase of inspections to continue reviewing stonework as part of our day-to-day work and our dedication to conserving historic sites for future generations.
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. Heavier and more frequent rainfall is washing out lime mortar, increased moisture is weakening the stone, and faster freeze–thaw cycles are causing cracks and surface loss. While a range of factors contribute to these issues, climate change is a significant driver in how we reassess how and manage our properties.
It’s important to remember that Scotland isn’t alone in facing these threats - the challenge of conserving historic buildings is global, and we’ve been sharing our experiences and learnings with heritage organisations worldwide since the start of this work.
Inspections explained
Take a look behind the scenes at the biggest challenge facing Scotland's historic buildings
Find out more2 Our Progress: 2022 to 2026
To protect the public and our historic environment, we implemented a proactive programme of inspections for 200+ sites in January 2022. At the sites with the biggest safety risks, we implemented closures and access restrictions to ensure the safety of visitors and staff while we assessed the masonry conditions and undertook any essential repairs.
Our dedicated teams worked tirelessly to accelerate this vital programme, including carrying out inspections throughout the winter months to maximise progress.
Throughout the programme, we explored innovative ways to share the stories of our temporarily closed sites. Enhanced on-site interpretation, including new signage, was developed. Immersive experiences like 3D models, audio tours, and virtual trails also offered visitors fresh perspectives on these remarkable places until they could be fully explored.
Inspections on the priority sites were completed in spring 2024, and our teams moved on to assessing the rest of our sites with high-level masonry, before finishing the full programme ahead of schedule in early 2026.
Inspection results varied from site to site – some needed no or little work and could reopen or remain open to visitors, however, others required more work before we could open them back up to the public.
Work is still underway at some sites to improve access, and ongoing repairs are being prioritised based on safety and conservation needs. This is being carried out alongside the routine maintenance and conservation of the 336 properties within our care. As repairs progress, we will continue to increase access where possible and reopen the small number of closed sites that are still closed.
Our inspection programme is just one example of how we’re committed to safeguarding Scotland’s historic environment for future generations, and we’re looking forward to reopening restricted areas to visitors as soon as it is safe to do so. Our visit a place pages have up-to-date visitor information on access at sites.
If you'd like to learn more about the inspections you can read our blogs explaining the project.
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 more3 What happens next: 2026 to 2031
Our conservation specialists are now carrying out a new cycle of high-level masonry inspections, building on the first programme and using the initial data as a benchmark to guide future assessments and conservation work.
Inspections for the 200+ sites are anticipated to take five years, and properties will be prioritised based on traits such as age, stone type and previous inspection results.
Regular tactile inspections will help to detect some conservation needs early, reducing the level of interventions and costs involved in carrying out repairs, as well as minimising the need for future access restrictions.
Some local access restrictions may be needed while inspections and any essential repairs take place, but further site closures and restrictions are not expected as part of this new programme.
4 Sites involved
The following is a list of sites where full access restrictions are in place to ensure the safety of the public:
Find out more about our inspection programmeLast updated: 28 November 2025
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 more5 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 |
| Auchindoun Castle | Full access |
| Blackfriars Chapel | Full access |
| Bonawe Historic Iron Furnace | Full access |
| Bothwell Castle | Some access restrictions remain in place to the Donjon Tower, South East 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 of Old Wick | 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 | Access to the gatehouse, cloisters, nave and shop only |
| 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 | Full access |
| 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 |
| Edzell Castle | 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 (non-HLM) |
| Loch Doon Castle | Full access |
| Lochleven Castle | Full access |
| Lochranza Castle | Full access |
| MacLellan's Castle | Visitors can access some areas inside the castle but some restrictions remain in place |
| 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 |
| Orchardton Tower | Full access |
| Pierowall Church | Full access |
| Ravenscraig Castle | Minor access restrictions in place. Visitors should access the castle via the staircase in the moat while we carry out conservation works on the drawbridge |
| Rothesay Castle | Full access |
| Seton Collegiate Church | Full access |
| St Andrews Castle | No access to foretower, mine or countermine |
| St Andrews Cathedral | Grounds accessible |
| St Anthony's Chapel | Full access |
| St Bride's Church | Full access |
| St Bridget's Kirk | Full access |
| 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 | Access to the grounds, cloister and much of the nave only |
| Tantallon Castle | Some minor restrictions in place at the doocot |
| Threave Castle | Island and grounds are open, but no access to the castle |
| Trinity House | Full access, open for special events only |
| Westside Church, Tuquoy | Full access |
| Whithorn Priory | Full access |
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: 28 November 2025