Conservation works have begun at Caerlaverock Castle. The works involved include installing scaffolding to allow access for fabric inspection and repair work to the staircase and north-west tower of the 13th century castle. This follows recent masonry consolidation works to the chimneys.
These inspection works also follow on from the High-Level Masonry project which was looking at the impact of climate change on historic sites with masonry over 1.5 metres as well as the scale of deterioration caused by a number of other factors, including the materials used in the building’s construction, its age and physical location. Whilst this is not an issue unique to Scotland, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is believed to be amongst the first heritage managers to approach it in this way.
While these essential conservation works are taking place, access to the interior of the castle will be restricted. However, visitors can access the grounds and playparks as well as the visitor centre and exhibition free-of-charge. Activities are also being developed for visitors to take part in including cyanotype photography, paper crafting, and a display of archive photographs.
Rosie Thorp, District Visitor and Community Manager at HES, said:
“Originally built in the 1270s, Caerlaverock Castle is a hugely important site in Dumfries and Galloway, and these measures are necessary to facilitate vital conservation works. We understand that visitors will be eager to get back inside the castle, however, this work is part of the important maintenance of the historic site.
“While we aim to reopen the interior of the Castle in spring, visitors can continue to enjoy the breathtaking views of Caerlaverock Castle, with its unique triangular shape, and explore the visitor centre where they can find out more about this outstanding, historic location.”
