Dumbarton Castle reopens after lengthy closure for conservation works

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Dumbarton Castle has reopened its doors after being closed for essential conversation work.The famous landmark, which once sheltered Mary, Queen of Scots before she fled to France, reopened on Saturday, February 18, at 10am.Access restrictions were put in place at the start of last year as a safety precaution while Historic Environment Scotland (HES), which manages the site, introduced new measures to deal with the risk associated with potentially unstable high-level masonry.When the castle reopened this weekend, visitors were able to climb the White Tower Crag for stunning views over the Firth of Clyde, explore the artillery fortifications to see fine examples of early 18th-century military architecture, enter the Guardhouse and explore the Magazine.One minor access restriction will remain in place at the Spur Battery, which will exclude access to the Spanish and Bower Batteries.Ground-level restrictions also remain in areas around the base of the Rock, which is managed as part of HES’s routine rock risk.Craig Mearns, Director of Operations at HES, said: “I am very pleased to announce that Dumbarton Castle is reopening this weekend, ahead of schedule.“Our staff have been working very hard to get the castle ready for reopening, and we very much look forward to once again welcoming visitors through the gates of this iconic fortress.”Dumbarton Castle will be open from 10am – 4pm daily, except Thursdays and Fridays until March 31.

From April 1, 2023, the site will be open daily from 9:30am – 5:30pm. For further information or to book tickets, visit Historic Scotland's website.