FUNDING must be in place to ensure West Fife tourist attractions are re-opened as soon as possible.

That's the plea from MSP Claire Baker as properties such as Aberdour Castle, Culross Abbey and Dunfermline Palace remain closed to the public.

Heritage sites in the Kingdom, and across Scotland, have been closed while Historic Environment Scotland (HES) carry out "high-level" inspections to address fears that crumbling masonry could put the public at risk.

They added that the deterioration of these assets had been accelerated by climate change and, once checks are completed, remedial works will be carried out.

After visiting Aberdour Castle last week to hear about the inspection work, Ms Baker said: “The heritage sector is a key part of Scotland’s tourism offer and central to many of our communities, like Aberdour."

The Mid Scotland and Fife Labour MSP said the recent Scottish Government spending review indicated that HES funding would be cut by £13 million over the next five years, with HES expected to make up the shortfall through increased income.

And she added: "We need to see this work taking place as soon as possible and for funding to be in place so that all our valuable heritage sites can re-open.”

Cowdenbeath SNP MSP Annabelle Ewing raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament and said the continuing closures were "continuing to impact negatively on the local economy".

Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay councillor David Barratt said communication with affected communities about the closures and inspections had been poor and added: "I will be seeking to join Annabelle on any such site visit suggested and will be inviting HES to come and speak to local elected members to discuss their work programme and to explore ways the council could work better with HES in future."

In West Fife, there is still no visitor access to Aberdour Castle and Gardens, St Bridget's Kirk in Dalgety Bay and Culross Abbey.

Dunfermline Palace and Refectory are closed but the Abbey nave and shop are open.

Inchcolm Abbey, which had been closed, has re-opened but there is still no access to the west of the island.

Ms Baker said survey work was to be carried out at Aberdour Castle in October and "the potential for partial access will be looked at before then".

A spokesperson for HES said: “Survey work on our first batch of properties will shortly be completed and we hope to have all of our properties with current access restrictions surveyed before the winter weather sets in.

“Each site has different characteristics meaning each presents its own individual challenge, however, inspections are progressing well.

“We understand how important these sites are for the local community and economy and, where possible, we are opening up as much access as we can following the surveys.”

Culture minister Neil Gray said financial support would continue to be provided and added: "The Scottish Government’s funding for future years in the recent resource spending review reflects how HES's commercial income will continue to recover from the impact of the pandemic.

"It is worth noting that in 2026/27, the resource funding of £48.3m still exceeds the pre-pandemic funding of £33.8m.

"We will continue to support HES to deliver its vital protection and preservation work, which it is internationally-recognised for.”