Dundrennan Abbey and Whithorn Priory and Museum will reopen to visitors from Tuesday 1 April as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) marks the start of its spring/summer season.
Dundrennan Abbey, founded in 1142, features a church and cloister which holds some of the best early Gothic architecture in Scotland. The Abbey also welcomed Mary, Queen of Scots in 1568 and is where she spent her last hours in the country following her escape from Lochleven Castle. From Tuesday 1 April, Dundrennan Abbey will be open daily from 10am – 4:30pm until Tuesday 30 September.
The 900-year-old Whithorn Priory was established by Premonstretarian monks and later became the cathedral church of Galloway. One of Scotland’s earliest Christian communities lived and worshipped in Whithorn, and the Oldest Christian monument, the Latinus stone, was found here. The Latinus stone dates to the 400s and was discovered beneath the priory ruins during excavations in the 1800s. The Whithorn Museum, which stands on the old cathedral priory grounds, hosts the Latinus stone and offers a unique and immersive way to explore the tranquil remains of this once-bustling power centre.
Visitors to Whithorn Priory and Museum will be able to access the ruined nave of the cathedral church and the upper parts of the crypt. Temporary restrictions remain in place to the internal crypt and Lady Chapel areas. Whithorn Priory and Museum will be open from 11am – 4pm (closed for lunch from 1:30pm – 2:15pm) Sundays – Fridays until Friday 31 October.
Whilst access is restricted at a number of properties in the Dumfries and Galloway area due to safety concerns, HES is progressing inspections and implementing measures to enable reopening or increased access. At Threave Castle, boat access to the island and castle grounds will resume this spring and at Sweetheart Abbey, there will be increased access to the nave in the coming weeks.
On Tuesday 1 April, the grounds and shop will also reopen for the summer season at MacLellan’s Castle as well as the grounds and museum at Glenluce Abbey.
Craig Mearns, Director of Operations at HES, said: “The start of the new visitor season is always exciting. As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to step outside, experience Scotland’s natural beauty and get a closer look at our past. With castles, palaces, priories and brochs all reopening, everyone will find an aspect of Scottish heritage to enjoy.
“These sites are part of Scotland’s history and offer an incredible range of experience and understanding. Our monuments include safe havens for key historical figures, strategic fortresses, Hanoverian munitions factories and sites of ceremonial importance to ancient tribes. Each place tells a unique story, and we look forward to sharing them with people from across the world.”
Dundrennan Abbey along with Caerlaverock Castle and New Abbey Corn Mill – which are both open year-round – will also be celebrating the onset of warmer weather with family-friendly events such as Easter Eggsplorer Trails. For a full list of events visit the HES website.
For more details or to book tickets visit the HES website. Tickets are on sale now, with a discount available for purchasing in advance.
Entry to sites and daytime events is free for Historic Scotland members. Members can also collect History Hunt Cards, a series of seven cards looking at the various types of sites including fortresses, settlements, and towers, when they visit staffed sites. A full set can be exchanged for a pin badge only available through the Hunt. For further information or to become a member visit: alittlehistory.scot
