A neolithic tourist attraction on Orkney is set to close later this month due to health and safety concerns.
Maeshowe will close to the public on September 26.
Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has now written to site managers Historic Environment Scotland (HES) calling for a solution which will allow the chambered cairn to reopen as soon as possible.
The site, which sits between Stromness and Finstown is a popular tourist attraction.
HES had recently been working with Orkney Islands Council to develop access to the visitor centre, although a plan has not yet been committed to.
Mr McArthur said that he was concerned that the lack of warning that Maeshowe would have to close was an example of a lack of partnership working between HES and the Scottish Government.
The Liberal Democrat MSP said: “HES previously claimed that Maeshowe would not shut.
“Now it insists that it has no option, based on health and safety concerns. Yet Maeshowe and Tormiston Mill are to remain open until the end of the month.
“This whole matter has been very poorly handled.
“Moving forward, however, it is imperative that a resolution is found as quickly as possible, to head off potential damage to Orkney’s vital tourism sector.
“I know that Orkney Islands Council are in dialogue with HES and I hope those discussions prove constructive.
“I have also requested a meeting with HES and sought assurances from the minister that she will intervene to help ensure that this does not drag on.”
He added: “Maeshowe is too important to Orkney’s heritage and tourism sectors.
“Whatever safeguards are felt necessary and proportionate, we need to see it open and accessible to the public.”
A spokesperson for Historic Environment Scotland, which manages the site, said: “We wrote to Liam McArthur MSP last week to inform him of recent developments, and can confirm we have received a response.
“We appreciate constructive feedback from residents, local partners and the community in Orkney, and we will be responding to Mr McArthur in due course.
“We are continuing to explore options to manage the risks associated with the site as a matter of priority.”