Concern over abbey’s continuing closure

While the abbey visitor centre and grounds are open, its interior has been closed since 2021 after safety inspections revealed unstable high-level masonry.

The ruins are on a repair list drawn up by HES, but Mr Melville has also raised concernes over a lack of publicly available information on plans to reopen the site. The heritage organisation has blamed climate change for accelarating the decay of materials such as the abbey’s distinctive red sandstone.

Covid and the closure disrupted the 2020 celebrations marking the 700th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath at the abbey, which is a major tourist draw for the area.

Edzell Castle was also closed for safety reasons, but reopened to the public last year.

In his letter to Katerina Brown, Mr Melville acknowledged the importance of safety and conservation but said there remains concern locally about the absence of clear, publicly communicated information on what residents and visitors can expect, and when.

He said that “the importance of Arbroath Abbey to the town and to Scotland’s history cannot be understated”, as he sought an update on works from the Chief Executive.

The HES website states: “Due to access restrictions in place as a precautionary measure while we undertake high level masonry inspections, the internal spaces of the abbey remain closed.”

Mr Melville said:“Angus is Scotland’s birthplace, and Arbroath Abbey is a jewel in the crown of Scotland’s history. It must be protected for future generations, and the ongoing works by HES will be important to securing a long-term future for the site.

“However, it is important that this process is accompanied by clear communication and transparency about access and future plans, so residents, visitors and local businesses are not left in prolonged uncertainty.”

He has asked that any available information be shared publicly at the earliest opportunity.