A HISTORIC island fortress is set to reopen to the public this weekend after a major conservation project.
Threave Castle will open its doors again on Saturday for the first time in four years, following the completion of masonry inspections and conservation work by Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
The castle, located on an island west of Castle Douglas and accessible by a short boat trip over the River Dee, was built in 1369 by Archibald "the Grim" as a stronghold for the Black Douglases.
The island and grounds have been accessible since April this year, but the interior of the castle remained closed while teams assessed the condition of the stonework and the impact of climate change on the site.
Repairs were also carried out to the castle's artillery wall, which dates back to the 15th century and is regarded by HES as an "innovative defence years ahead of its time", which kept James II's forces at bay during the siege of 1455.
A safe access route has been created through the ground floor, which allows visitors to access the Great Hall while some conservation work continues.
The island is now serviced by two additional jetties, to take visitors to and from the castle.
The castle is located within a wetland nature reserve and the surrounding environment is home to a rich variety of birdlife, such as jackdaws, peregrine falcons and barn owls.
Within the castle grounds, visitors can also see stoats, hen pheasants and occasionally deer, while ospreys, otters and kingfishers can be spotted across the wider nature reserve.
Malcolm Price, monument manager at Threave Castle, said: “Threave Castle is an incredibly special place with a fascinating history, and we are excited to welcome visitors not just to the island but now inside the castle walls too.
“Once the home of the infamous Black Douglas family, the castle was fitted with formidable battlements – which visitors can still see the remnants of today.
“Conservation work is vital to ensuring visitors can continue to enjoy our sites for years to come, and it’s wonderful that Threave Castle can once again welcome people through its doors.”
Threave Castle is open to visitors daily from 10am until 4.30pm, with last ticket purchases at 3.45pm.
During the summer period, tickets are offered at a 20% discount, with adult tickets priced at £3.60 and child tickets priced at £2, with under 7s going for free.
Visit historicenvironment.scot/visit for more information.
