TWO historic properties will be inspected near Glasgow to uncover damage caused by climate change.

Bothwell Castle in Uddingston and St Brides Church in Douglas Village will be screened to ensure public safety against damage caused by climate change.

Both sites will have restricted access in place to conduct the full surveys.

READ MORE: US Fighter Jets Scotland: US Air Force issue apology for 'disturbance'

Dr David Mitchell, director of conservation at Historic Environment Scotland (HES) said: “The safety of staff, visitors and contractors is our top priority and access restrictions at Bothwell Castle and St Brides Church will, unfortunately, be necessary.

"We are currently assessing where partial access can be put in place at sites where it is safe to do so, and information will be posted to the HES website as it is available.

“Our routine inspections are increasingly revealing the deterioration of building fabric at high level. While our changing climate is not the sole reason for deterioration, it has certainly accelerated it and brought the issue to a head.

"Historic properties are inherently fragile by their nature, often ruinous and standing at exposed locations.  We face a constant battle against time and the elements.

“We are taking proactive action now to assess the nature and scale of the immediate challenge, and to explore a range of solutions and options. It is inevitable our approach to protecting historic buildings will have to change; we need to reimagine how we manage these historic and much-loved places. 

"A range of solutions is needed, including repairs, investment, and new and innovative interventions.  In some cases, reduced physical access and accepting the natural process of decay will need to be considered.”