Dumbarton Castle is set to reopen to the public tomorrow ahead of schedule after being closed for essential work.

Access restrictions were put in place at the visitor site in early 2022 as a safety precaution while Historic Environment Scotland (HES) introduced new measures to manage the impact of climate change on its heritage assets and to allow teams from the organisation to carry out 'tactile inspections'.

But tickets are now on sale for the historic building as it reopens from Saturday, February 18.

Visitors will be able to climb the White Tower Crag for stunning views over the Firth of Clyde, explore the artillery fortifications to see fine examples of early 18th century military architecture, enter the Guardhouse and explore the Magazine. 

One minor access restriction will remain in place at the Spur Battery which will exclude access to the Spanish and Bower Batteries.

Ground level restrictions also remain in areas around the base of the Rock which is managed as part of HES’s routine rock risk. 

Dumbarton Castle is the latest site to reopen following the completion of its high-level masonry inspection.

The castle will be open from 10am-4pm daily, except Thursdays and Fridays, until March 31. And from April 1, the site will be open seven days a week from 9.30am-5.30pm.  

Tactile inspections have been completed at 25 sites across Scotland since May 2022, and a further 13 are due for completion by this spring.

Craig Mearns, director of operations at HES, said: “I am very pleased to announce that Dumbarton Castle is reopening this weekend, ahead of schedule.

"Our staff have been working very hard to get the castle ready for reopening and we very much look forward to once again welcoming visitors through the gates of this iconic fortress.” 

For further information or to book tickets, visit ther website.