Threave Castle near Castle Douglas to remain shut for 2020

Threave Castle is set to remain shut for the rest of the year.

MacLellan’s Castle, Cardoness Castle and Dundrennan Abbey are among other Stewartry tourist attractions that will not be opening until spring at the earliest.

Historic Environment Scotland said 26 ticketed sites across the country will be open by the middle of September, although New Abbey Corn Mill and nearby Sweetheart Abbey are not among them.

Unstaffed sites where physical distancing can be maintained reopened on Wednesday, including Orchardton Tower, Carsluith Castle and Drumcoltran Tower.

HES chief executive Alex Paterson said: “It’s important that we implement our resumption plans at the right time given the different requirements for each site.

“This also includes looking at the varying local and regional requirements throughout the country and we have considered this when setting out our phased approach to welcoming visitors back and supporting Scotland’s tourism and economic recovery.

“There will of course be some initial changes including managing visitor numbers at certain sites, as well as restricting access to specific locations but we can assure visitors of a warm welcome as always.”