Jackie Baillie has welcomed the reopening of Dumbarton Castle following its long-term closure.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP met with Historic Environment Scotland Chief Executive, Alex Paterson, Director of Operations, Craig Mearns and site representatives at the end of last year when she was reassured that all efforts would be made to welcome visitors again.

Historic Environment Scotland have now publicly announced that it will reopen in early spring.

Jackie Baillie said: “This is long-awaited but welcome news that the jewel in our crown will be reopening in a matter of weeks. I am absolutely delighted as I am sure the people of Dumbarton will be. I have been in contact with both Historic Environment Scotland and the Scottish Government throughout the past year to push for this and I am pleased that the reopening has now been confirmed.

“Unfortunately the town will have missed out on vital tourism while the castle has been closed and I am keen to make sure that everything is done to encourage people to return and to attract more tourists to the area.

“I look forward to continued dialogue with Historic Environment Scotland to make sure that Dumbarton Castle continues to be maintained to a high standard and marketed to a wide audience so people from all over Scotland and beyond can enjoy this stunning piece of our history.”