John Swinney hails Kelso Abbey reopening as ‘a moment to savour’
First Minister John Swinney has described the reopening of Kelso Abbey as a “moment to savour” after the historic landmark welcomed visitors back for the first time in five years.
Mr Swinney joined community representatives from Kelso, including His Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, and conservation specialists from Historic Environment Scotland (HES) at Friday's reopening celebration following the completion of essential conservation work.
The abbey reopened after extensive repairs by HES, including masonry consolidation, re-pointing, protective netting and high-level inspections. Further inspections may take place ahead of Kelso's 900th anniversary in 2028 to help inform its long-term conservation.
Mr Swinney said: “Kelso Abbey is one of Scotland's most impressive historic buildings.
“To see it reopen its doors before its 900th anniversary in 2028 was a moment to savour.
“The abbey will draw thousands of visitors into the Borders, supporting jobs and benefiting businesses by boosting visitor spend throughout the region.”
Roger Curtis, Interim Director of Operations at HES, said: “We are thrilled to be able to re-open Kelso Abbey now that our specialist teams have completed masonry inspections and vital repairs at the site.
“We also want to thank the local community for their patience and support while these vital works were carried out. The abbey is at the heart of Kelso, and we are proud to care for and protect it for current and future generations.”
His Grace the Duke of Roxburghe, Chair of the Kelso 900 Group, said the reopening marked “the beginning of an exciting new chapter”.
He added: “Kelso Abbey has stood at the heart of our town for almost 900 years and remains one of the great treasures of the Scottish Borders. I hope people from across Scotland and beyond will come to rediscover this remarkable place as we begin the countdown to the Abbey's 900th anniversary in 2028.”
HES is working with local stakeholders on plans to celebrate the abbey's 900th anniversary in 2028. The site is now open daily from 9.30am to 5pm.