THE substantial theft of stone from a nationally important monument in Gifford has resulted in immediate closure of Yester Castle for the forseeable future, East Lothian Police confirmed today.

The theft at Yester Castle, on Yester Estate in Gifford, has left a large area of damage in the wall that supports the vault of the underground room.

The damage has caused concerns around safety and the castle will be closed to the public for the foreseeable future. 

Yester Castle and the subterranean lower hall, known as Goblin Ha’, belonged to the family of Gifford in the 12th – 14th centuries.

The site featured as a fort during Haddington’s occupation in the 16th century before being abandoned as a residence after the Reformation.

Yester Castle is legally protected as a nationally important monument under the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

Offences under the act include works without consent and damage, including adding to or removing from the monument.

Breaches of the act can carry penalties of up to six months imprisonment or fines of up to £50,000.

Police Scotland are appealing to members of the public to come forward with any information regarding the theft and suspicious vehicles that may have been near the castle and surrounding area since the end of the July 2021.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 1181 of 12/10/2021.