Trust aims to open up grounds to visitors

The National Trust for Scotland has said it is preparing to welcome visitors again at dozens of gardens and estates across the country, as lockdown continues to ease.

With the move into Phase 2 confirmed the charity is preparing to reopen around 30 estates and gardens from Monday, July 6 onwards, including Castle Fraser's grounds and Crathes Castle’s garden and estate

Countryside places such as St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve and Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve have been open for local access, in line with Scottish Government guidelines, for a few weeks.

Chairman Sir Mark Jones said: ‘We are hard at work preparing to open up dozens more of our beautiful places once again.

‘Our staff are coming back from furlough, we’ve redesigned the visitor routes at some places and, of course, we are closely following all the advice on safety and hygiene measures, so that everyone can enjoy their trip to the Trust.

‘As we all adapt to the “new normal”, there will be some changes on the ground at properties, and we hope that our members, supporters and visitors will be patient and work with us during this time of transition.

"We would also please ask visitors to stick to the latest guidance and only visit if it’s within the five-mile travel limit.

‘We are really looking forward to welcoming our local visitors back and we hope that this helps us all emerge back into the light, after being confined for so long.’

We advise people to avoid visiting at traditional peak times, as much as possible, and to double-check opening times online, in advance of travel.

Only a selected few castles, houses and visitor centres are scheduled to open in August with most remaining closed till 2021.

In Aberdeenshire Castle Fraser, Craigievar, Crathes, Drum, Fyvie, Haddo House and Leith Hall will open their garden and grounds.

The Mar Lodge Estate will only see car parks open and at Pitmedden Gardens only the grounds will be open.

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