Historic Environment Scotland (HES) appointed LUC to develop a Conservation Landscape Management Plan (CLMP) for the landscape surrounding Caerlaverock Castle in Dumfries & Galloway, Scotland.

Caerlaverock Castle and its associated landscape is a monument consisting of two castles; the remains of the ‘old’ 13th century castle, and the ‘new’ triangular castle occupied until the mid-17th century.

Our multidisciplinary team of Historic Environment and Landscape Design specialists focused on a core area of land associated with the ‘new’ castle, which included the ‘old’ castle, former harbour, historic woodlands and associated earthworks.

The CLMP clearly identifies the range of heritage assets, their current condition, management practices and significances of the landscape, and proposes measures to secure a sustainable future for the site. It forms an integrated evidence base and management framework, informed by our thorough understanding of the site’s valuable history.

Overall, the CLMP sets out conservation recommendations and management policies for the complex landscape. It proposes a range of interventions to safeguard and better-reveal the significance of built and archaeological assets, veteran trees, and considerable biodiversity interest. It also highlights the potential for collaborative working with neighbouring land managers and communities to achieve landscape-scale benefits.

LUC’s specialist input builds on a catalogue of research and conservation work underway at Caerlaverock Castle. This included a workshop held across the different HES Directorates to determine risks and opportunities, providing the foundation for a new vision for the site.

Caerlaverock Castle is located 11km south of Dumfries, on the southernmost coast of Scotland. It is a popular tourist attraction which receives tens of thousands of visitors each year. HES operates and maintains the visitor facilities, and holds the site in guardianship as a Property in Care.