Progress Report at June 2023
On 30th June 2023 the 10 year lease granted by Barony Castle LLP to the charity, Mapa Scotland SCIO, expired. Ownership and responsibility for maintenance of the Great Polish Map of Scotland returned to the hotel. The Charity Mapa Scotland SCIO continues with its remit to promote the historical and cultural links between Scotland and Poland.
Safety at the Great Polish Map of Scotland
As of June 30, 2023, the legal responsibility for the Great Polish Map of Scotland (located in the grounds of Barony Castle Hotel in Eddleston, near Peebles) has returned to the landowners, Barony Castle LLP.
While the charity Mapa Scotland was responsible for the site’s restoration and safety during their 10-year lease (2013–2023), that lease has now expired.
Key Stakeholders and Their Roles
| Entity | Current Legal & Safety Role |
| Barony Castle LLP (The Hotel) | Full Responsibility. As the landowner and current operator, the hotel is legally responsible for public safety, maintenance, and insurance of the map. |
| Mapa Scotland (SCIO) | Advisory & Educational. The charity completed the restoration in 2018. They continue to promote its history and cultural significance. |
| Historic Environment Scotland | Regulatory. The map is a Category B listed structure. This means the owner (Barony Castle) is legally required to maintain it to a certain standard to preserve its heritage status. |
Access and Public Safety
- Public Access:Under the terms of the original restoration grants (such as from the Heritage Lottery Fund), the hotel is required to guarantee free public access to the map.
- Safety Features:During the restoration, safety measures including a perimeter fence and a viewing tower were installed. Maintenance of these structures now falls under the hotel’s health and safety obligations to visitors.
Important Note for Visitors
Because the map is located on private hotel grounds, the hotel’s standard public liability insurance and health and safety policies cover the site. Visitors are generally expected to stay on the designated paths and viewing platforms, as the concrete “topography” can be slippery when wet and the surrounding “sea” (the basin) is often filled with water.