Restrictions lifted at Dryburgh Abbey following safety checks
The final resting place of famed novelist Sir Walter Scott has reopened to the public.
Parts of Dryburgh Abbey, near St Boswells, were sealed off last year amid concerns over safety.
But Historic Environment Scotland (HES) says the Gothic church and 13th century chapter house are now welcoming visitors again following a programme of safety checks and masonry repairs.
Dryburgh Abbey was established by Premonstratensian canons from Northumberland in 1150.
While some parts of the site have been accessible to visitors since June last year - including the grounds and the abbey nave - visitors will now be able to explore all internal areas.
The inspections looked at the impact climate change is having at the seven-day attraction, as well as the scale of deterioration caused by a number of other factors, including the materials used in the building’s construction, its age and physical location.
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HES will share its findings with other groups which operate historic properties.
Craig Mearns, Director for Operations at HES, said: "We are delighted to be able to reopen the interiors of the site once again to the public, where they can take in the beautiful architecture, explore the relics of the abbey, and learn about Scottish history as it happened.
"Dryburgh Abbey has a rich religious history and is perhaps most famously known as the final resting place of one of Scotland’s most famous literary writers."
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