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Historic Environment Scotland sites to reopen in phases


By Lorna Thompson

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PLANS have been outlined for the reopening of heritage sites across Scotland as Covid-19 restrictions are eased.

With more than 300 properties in its care, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is adopting a phased approach to reopen 70% of its free and ticketed properties by mid-September, during phase three of the Scottish Government’s route map.

This Wednesday, July 15, HES will provide access to more than 200 unstaffed and key-keeper sites across Scotland where physical distancing can be easily managed.

Some 26 ticketed sites will then reopen on a rolling basis, with outdoor spaces at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle reopening on Saturday, August 1. It is anticipated that by the end of August further internal spaces will open at the three castle sites.

From August through to mid-September, HES plans to reopen a further 23 key sites across Scotland on a rolling programme, including Elgin Cathedral, Fort George and Huntly Castle.

Huntly Castle is included in the list of sites reopening from August through to mid-September.
Huntly Castle is included in the list of sites reopening from August through to mid-September.

Visitors, including members, will be required to pre-book tickets online and to use contactless payment where possible. One-way systems will be implemented in some locations, and some areas of sites will be closed off to visitors. Numbers will also be limited.

With the exception of Inchcolm Abbey, seasonal sites will not be opening for the 2020 season to focus on access for properties which are open year-round. More than 40 seasonal sites usually open in April and close in October.

Alex Paterson, HES chief executive, said: "We’re very much looking forward to welcoming visitors back to our sites. There will, of course, be some initial changes including managing visitor numbers at certain sites, as well as restricting access to specific locations, but we can assure visitors of a warm welcome as always.

"We’ve been working exceptionally hard to ensure our properties will be accessible and ready to welcome visitors. However, it’s important that we implement our resumption plans at the right time given the different requirements for each site.

"This also includes looking at the varying local and regional requirements throughout the country and we have considered this when setting out our phased approach to welcoming visitors back and supporting Scotland’s tourism and economic recovery."

All HES properties were closed to the public on March 18.

For further information visit www.historicenvironment.scot.

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