Culture secretary questioned over Maeshowe closure

Green MSP John Finnie has asked the cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs, Fiona Hislop, for her help to keep Maeshowe open to visitors.

The 5,000-year-old Neolithic chambered tomb is part of the UNESCO Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site, which also includes Skara Brae, the Ring of Brodgar and Standing Stones of Stenness.

Historic Environment Scotland announced this month that the monument will close to the public on Monday, September 26, due to “health and safety concerns”.

These concerns centre on access to the site, which requires visitors to cross the busy Kirkwall-Stromness road from the visitor centre and car park at Tormiston Mill.

According to HES there are “significant risks to staff and visitors, which cannot be mitigated effectively at this time”. While the closure is described as temporary, HES have not said when it might end.

During questions in the Scottish Parliament, Mr Finnie asked why the closure had been announced without consultation and urged Ms Hislop to find a solution that will keep the site open.

Ms Hislop said that she had expressed her concern to the chairwoman of HES, Jane Ryder, but added that she would not interfere in operational matters.

Mr Finnie responded: “Local people have identified four solutions that could solve the traffic problem and keep Maeshowe and Tormiston Mill open – and according to the minister today, a fifth option is also being considered – but none of these options are being implemented and, instead, local people and visitors are to be denied access to this important site.

“Maeshowe is one of Orkney’s most visited historic sites. The summer crowds may have gone but the Winter Solstice, in December, is a big day at Maeshowe, and if we can’t be sure whether the site will be open that would be a real blow for the islands’ winter tourism business.

“Orkney can’t afford to have Maeshowe and Tormiston Mill shuttered indefinitely while various committees drag their feet.”