FURTHER inspection work is being carried out at historical sites in the Borders following the news that a "safety risk" has been identified.

Last week, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) announced that a number of sites across Scotland would close or partially close due to the concerns.

According to an HES spokesperson, “unstable masonry at high level” was identified as a risk to visitors and staff.

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In the Borders, Melrose Abbey, Kelso Abbey, Jedburgh Abbey and Dryburgh Abbey have all been affected by the closures.

On Saturday (June 12), a spokesperson confirmed that Jedburgh Abbey’s grounds have reopened to the public.

The spokesperson added that “measures to provide visitor access” have also been put in place at other sites in the Borders including Melrose Abbey, where the “museum and grounds have been kept open while further inspection work continues on sites”.

Dr David Mitchell, director of conservation at HES, said: “We temporarily closed Jedburgh Abbey earlier this week to make some checks on site.

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“We appreciate that visitors and members are keen to access sites and have kept access open where possible at other sites including at the museum at Melrose as well as the grounds at a number of sites where safe, whilst further inspection work to the buildings takes place because a potential high level masonry issue has been identified.”

Admission prices for the site have been reduced whilst some restrictions are in place, according to a spokesperson.

Tantallon Castle in North Berwick and Dirleton Castle, two miles west of North Berwick, are among the other affected sites.