The MSP for Central Scot and Lothians West, Jenny Young, has raised questions over the repairs currently underway at Linlithgow Palace.
One side of the palace remains shrouded in scaffolding which has been in place for around four years. The local MSP asked the Interim Chief Executive of Historic Environment Scotland, Stephen Uphill, for an update on progress.
During a meeting of the Culture Committee at Holyrood, Ms Young put the HES boss on the spot – but he had no ready answer.
Instead Mr Uphill said that progress on restoration masonry work had been impacted by Covid and funding challenges, but that HES were prioritising their work on “high-level assets” including Linlithgow Palace.
Uphill added, “If I could tell you when the scaffold is due to come down, I would be a very popular man locally”.
Uphill said he would write to Young with more specific information regarding the progress of the works at the Palace.
Scottish Labour MSP, Jenny Young, said: “I was glad to have the opportunity to ask Historic Environment Scotland the question that so many local people have been asking.
“Having grown up in the town, I know how important Linlithgow Palace is for our town’s identity, and people are rightly frustrated that the scaffolding has been up for so long.
“It is disappointing that Historic Environment Scotland were unable to give a definitive answer at committee today, but I look forward to getting more information in writing from Historic Environment Scotland about the progress of the works and I will update constituents when I receive it.”
