More access to Jedburgh Abbey after conservation work

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced that there will be more access to Jedburgh Abbey.

The Abbey Church is accessible again, allowing visitors to enter through the east processional door.

People can now stroll down the Lothian Aisle and Nave, appreciating the unique blend of Romanesque and early Gothic architecture of the building.

(Image: Historic Environment Scotland)

The Stone Museum, which displays artefacts from the abbey’s past, has also reopened its doors.

Stuart Holmes, regional visitor and community manager for the South Region at HES, said: "The abbey has played a key role in Scotland’s history and that of the Borders for over 900 years.

"Its intricate stonework has faced many aggressors with its most recent challenges, being accelerated by climate change.

"Following a programme of inspections and essential conservation work, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from the local community and beyond back into the heart of the abbey to explore even more of its fascinating history."

(Image: Historic Environment Scotland)

For opening times and to book tickets, go to https://tinyurl.com/yej5ppk2.

Visitors can explore the grounds, seeing the remains of ancillary buildings where the brethren ate and slept.

There is also a recreated cloister garden to walk in.

Some early Christian artefacts, which predate the abbey by several centuries, are on display in the visitor centre.

However, some restrictions are still in place, with the viewing gallery closed for further high-level masonry inspections.

The High-Level Masonry Programme is the result of ongoing risk assessment and sample surveys and assesses the impact of climate change on sites as well as the scale of deterioration caused by various factors.

HES is believed to be among the first heritage managers to approach the issue in this way, with the results shared with peer organisations.