THE historic Aberdour Castle is to open its doors again this spring after safety checks at the site were completed.

The attraction, along with other sites operated by Historic Environment Scotland (HES), had closed so essential high level masonry inspections could take place.

Focus has now been placed on the reopening of the venue which, it is hoped, will take place in time for the Easter holidays.

A HES spokeperson confirmed: "We are finalising plans for the reopening of Aberdour Castle for the start of the main tourist season, and are currently recruiting staff. It is important to us that we recruit the right people for this valued site at the heart of the community and are working towards staff being available, trained and ready for the start of season.

"There may be some access restrictions in place at the time of opening although we are hoping to undertake works in advance to minimise or completely remove these. This includes having a settled period of weather for undertaking lime mortar works which are unfortunately not possible over the winter months."

Inspections have also been carried out at St Bridget's Kirk and HES are now looking at when it can reopen to visitors.

"The inspection findings for St Bridget’s Kirk are currently being analysed which will then determine reopening timescales," added the spokesperson.

The return of visitors to Aberdour Castle has been welcomed by Cowdenbeath MSP Annabelle Ewing.

“The re-opening of various Historic Environment Scotland sites in my constituency, including Aberdour Castle, has been of concern to me and I have raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament Chamber, pressing the Culture Minister on the matter," she said.

“Last November, I had the pleasure of visiting Aberdour Castle and getting an opportunity to see first-hand the work that has been carried out and that which still needed to be done.

“I am delighted, therefore, to have received confirmation from David Borthwick of HES that Aberdour Castle is set to re-open on the 1st of April, in time for the school Easter holidays.

“Not only is it good news, in itself, that we now have a firm date for the re-opening of Aberdour Castle, I was particularly pleased to learn from HES that they are currently recruiting staff for Aberdour and for many other sites in Fife.

"The return of visitors to the castle will also have a positive benefit for local businesses.”