Local MSP for the Linlithgow Constituency, Fiona Hyslop raised the continuing concerns about the closure of Linlithgow Palace in the Scottish Parliament Debate: ‘Historic Environment Scotland (Site Closures)’, on Wednesday 3rd May in a Members Debate.
The debate brought by Sharon Dowey MSP focussed on the value of National Heritage sites to local tourism and businesses and the need to reopen many of these significant historic sites and was replied to by the Cabinet Secretary for Culture.
Speaking after the debate Fiona said:
“This was an important debate, and I was pleased to be able to highlight the historic, cultural but also economic value of Linlithgow Palace as a national heritage not only to our town but nationally.
“Concerns about high masonry safety concerns has seen the Palace closed post pandemic from May 2021 and we were looking forward to its reopening in May but that has been delayed because of the shocking vandalism to the delicate fountain masonry, walls and flagstone which is a further blow to our town.
“The connection between the Palace, the town and the local community is significant. Local business, heritage sites and national tourism are intertwined. When heritage sites close, therefore, streets lose footfall, businesses lose custom, and communities lose their sense of place.
“It is vital that Linlithgow Palace, a site of national importance and the heart of the local community, can open in full as soon as it is safe to do so.”
ENDS