A TRIO of historic abbeys across the Scottish Borders face being plunged into darkness after Scottish Borders Council revealed it was ending floodlighting agreements.
The termination of contracts for Jedburgh, Kelso, and Melrose Abbeys has been initiated to cut operational costs and reduce energy usage.
These sites are managed by Historic Environment Scotland, which collaborates with the council on local heritage property management.
The decision to end the floodlighting contracts for these historic monuments was driven by the council’s need to realize financial savings and carbon reduction targets.
The news has been met with dismay by councillor Euan Robson, the leader of the Liberal Democrats on SBC and ward representative for Kelso.
The decision is particularly unwelcome for Kelso Abbey with arrangements to be put in place to commemorate its 900th anniversary in two years time.
The 12th century abbey is perhaps best known as the final resting place of the embalmed heart of Scotland’s warrior-king, Robert the Bruce.
Robson now hopes the community can rally and raise funds to ensure a new lighting system is put in place in time to mark the anniversary.
He said: “I was informed of this decision on Friday to my utter dismay.
“The timing could not be worse for Kelso with the upcoming 900th anniversary of Kelso Abbey in 2028. The council is to give a year’s notice in June this year so unless funds can be raised from elsewhere the lights will go out in June 2027.
“As chair I have put the item on the agenda for the next Kelso Common Good Committee to explore what might be done.
“I have also asked the council’s lighting department to disaggregate the costs per abbey so we can see the maintenance and running costs for each.
“The problems are that the current floodlighting is completely obsolete and should really be replaced.
“It costs too much for the council to maintain the lights which are not particularly energy efficient compared to modern alternatives.
“At least we have a year in which to rectify the position. I strongly suspect we will need to start a fundraising campaign because it’s not just a question of just replacing the equipment, a survey and new lighting scheme will need to be developed by specialists.
“I shall be talking to Historic Environment Scotland to see what they can do to help as these monuments are in their care of course.
“Scottish Borders Council in common with all local councils is suffering from years of poor funding from the Scottish Government.
“I have every sympathy with council officers who are struggling to cover all needs and requirements. Their focus in terms of lighting has to be on the safety of the public.
“That said I trust that we can work together to sort out a new lighting system in time for the 900th Anniversary of Kelso Abbey.
“I am certain that the local community will rise to the occasion and meet this challenge too.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “We fully recognise the cultural, historical and visual importance of the abbeys to the communities.
“For that reason we wish to make communities or interested organisations aware that should any group wish to explore taking on responsibility for the lighting in the future this can be discussed with Historic Environment Scotland.”
