'Very encouraging' – Kelso Abbey could reopen this summer, according to community council
Last updated 23rd Jun 2026
It was one of several major heritage attractions which closed five years ago after an inspection identified potential safety risks from unstable masonry.
But Kelso Community Council tonight (Tuesday) has revealed it's been given "an indication" from Historic Environment Scotland that the town's abbey could be fully reopened to the public by the end of next month.
It follows a meeting last week with the Duke of Roxburghe, who now chairs the group planning a community-wide programme to mark the landmark's 900th anniversary in 2028.
Welcoming the announcement, local councillor Tom Weatherston said: "That’s great news!"
Earlier this week we reported that a number of skilled teams had been deployed to carry out a variety of repairs at the Borders visitor attraction, which has been described as one of Scotland's most significant monastic sites.
Speaking at the time, Euan Robson, who represents the town on Scottish Borders Council, told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's very encouraging to see the work being carried out by Historic Environment Scotland on Kelso Abbey.
"It's received a great welcome around the town because it was clear there were some difficulties with some of the stonework.
"So it's hoped, I think, to be able to open part of the Abbey grounds, although maybe not all of it, in due time."
He added: "This is great news ahead of the anniversary celebrations. There's a lot of preparatory work to do for that, and there's also work to do on replacing the floodlighting system."
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Members of Kelso Common Good Fund's sub-committee this evening agreed in principle to consider contributing towards the ongoing electricity costs, which are currently under £1,000 a year.
But it's hoped that figure could be reduced by installing new energy efficient lights and limiting the time they are on.
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Kelso Community Council posted online tonight: "I have just returned from an open gathering within the grounds of Kelso Abbey, where Historic Environment Scotland have been carrying out surveys and remedial works. They have been dealing with the more pressing repairs first, all of which have been successful.
"HES have gave an indication that Kelso Abbey will be fully opened to the public by the end of July this year.
"There are still some works to complete between now and then, however we are incredibly grateful to all those who have been involved over the last few years since the Abbey closed and the works more recently."
And the statement adds: "Access to areas within are intended to be the same as before the closure."
Heritage chiefs confirmed Kelso Abbey is currently closed to the public to ensure the safety of staff and visitors.
Any reopening of the visitor attraction - in part of in full - is expected to be widely welcomed by traders in the Tweed-side town.
A HES spokesperson said: "The conservation needs at the abbey are complex, and we’re continuing to review the options available to us in line with available resources and the ongoing conservation and maintenance of our 300+ sites across Scotland.
"We are currently in discussions with local stakeholders and community groups about the upcoming 900th anniversary of Kelso Abbey, and we are excited to be part of this important milestone.
"Details of any plans or events for the anniversary celebrations will be shared closer to the time."
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