Jackie Baillie has welcomed the reopening of Dumbarton Castle at the weekend after a 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 last month publicised that it would reopen in early spring but visitors were able to come to the site at the weekend, ahead of schedule.

Jackie Baillie said: “I am delighted that Dumbarton Castle has reopened earlier than planned and hope that the first visitors to the site over the weekend enjoyed this fantastic landmark.

“Unfortunately the town will have missed out on vital tourism while the castle has been closed. I am keen to make sure that everything is done to market the attraction and encourage people to visit in order to recoup the lost revenue during its closure.”