North-east tourism hit hard by National Trust re-opening plans
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As lockdown begins to ease across Scotland, the National Trust has shared its plans for a phased re-opening of properties, in line with the Scottish Government’s route map out of lockdown.
The indicative list of properties shows that with the notable exceptions of Crathes Castle, Drum Castle and the Marr Lodge estate Aberdeenshire is closed for business till 2021, and in the case of Leith Hall till 2022.
While varriers are already being lifted at some key countryside properties, such as Corrieshalloch Gorge and Ben Lawers for local access the Trust
expect that access to other types of properties and travel from further afield will not be possible under stage three of the route map.
Staff are planning for this now, making sure processes are in place to ensure people’s safety and to uphold social distancing, particularly in enclosed grounds and gardens.
A spokesman said: "These may re-open in late June or early July, with some built heritage properties following in mid-August.
"Due to the impact of the coronavirus epidemic on our charity, we’re phasing the re-opening of our places over the coming months with around half due to open again later this year, more in spring 2021, and a few remaining closed until 2022."
Countryside properties re-opening imminently:
Balmacara Estate (visitor centres remain closed), Ben Lawers, Ben Lomond, Corrieshalloch Gorge, Dollar Glen, Goatfell, Grey Mare’s Tail, The Hermitage, Killiecrankie, Kintail, The Pineapple, Rockcliffe, St Abb’s Head (car park will re-open by June 12 ; toilets and visitor centre remain closed), Torridon (visitor centre remains closed) and West Affric
The following are still subject to formal consultation:
Properties proposed to re-open in 2020 with gardens and grounds possibly by July and some historic buildings and visitor centres possibly from mid-August - Arduaine Garden, Balmerino Abbey, Boath Doocot, Branklyn Garden, Brodick Country Park, Brodie Castle, Burg, Canna, Crarae Garden, Crathes Castle, Culloden, Culross, Culzean Country Park, Drum Castle, Dunkeld, Fair Isle, Geilston Garden, Glencoe, Glenfinnan, Greenbank Garden, The Hill House, Inveresk Lodge Garden, Inverewe, Iona, Malleny Garden, Mar Lodge Estate, Mingulay, Berneray & Pabbay
Moirlanich Longhouse, Preston Mill, Priorwood Garden, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Robert Smail’s Printing Works, St Kilda, Staffa, Threave Garden and Unst & Yell.
Properties proposed to stay closed until season 2021/2022 (some gardens and grounds possibly reopening July 2020) - Abertarff House, Alloa Tower, Bachelors’ Club, Barry Mill, Brodick Castle, Broughton House, Castle Fraser, Craigievar Castle, Culzean Castle, Falkland Palace, Fyvie Castle, The Georgian House, Gladstone’s Land, Haddo House, House of Dun, Hugh Miller’s Cottage, J M Barrie’s Birthplace, Kellie Castle, Newhailes, Pitmedden Garden, Pollok House, The Tenement House, Thomas Carlyle’s Birthplace and Weaver’s Cottage.
Properties proposed to stay closed until season 2022/2023 (some gardens and grounds to reopen July 2020):Bannockburn (visitor centre), Hill of Tarvit, Holmwood, House of the Binns, Leith Hall and Souter Johnnie’s Cottage
