Historic Environment Scotland sets out plan to reopen its properties
Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle near Inverness will be the first of Historic Environment Scotland's ticketed sites to reopen on Saturday 1st August.
Article Source: Historic Environment Scotland
First Published: 13 July 2020 12:45
Updated: 14 July 2020 14:40
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has set out its approach to the reopening of its heritage sites across Scotland as COVID-19 restrictions are eased.
As Scotland’s biggest operator of visitor attractions, with over 300 properties in its care, HES is adopting a phased approach to reopen 70% of its free to access and ticketed properties by mid-September, during Phase 3 of the Scottish Government’s route map.
On Wednesday 15 July, HES will provide access to over 200 unstaffed and key-keeper sites across Scotland where physical distancing can be readily maintained and where HES can provide free and safe access.
In addition, this will include the opening up of free access to the grounds of Doune Castle, Caerlaverock Castle and Dundonald Castle. These properties, which would normally be staffed, have external green spaces which can be opened in line with continuing restrictions to offer health and wellbeing benefits to the local community.
26 ticketed sites across Scotland will then reopen on a rolling basis with Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle reopening on Saturday 1 August.
From 1 August, HES will open up the external space at Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle, as well as prioritising access to interior spaces where social distancing can be easily maintained. It is anticipated that by the end of August further internal spaces will open at all three sites, however, this will be assessed in line with Scottish Government guidance.
From August through to mid-September, HES plans to re-open a further 23 key sites across Scotland on a rolling programme including Glasgow Cathedral, Fort George, St Andrews Castle and Cathedral and Skara Brae. The phased approach has taken into consideration the regional picture to ensure that, as much as possible, HES’s reopening plans appropriately consider the circumstances in the local area.
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, such as enclosed spaces, will be closed off to visitors. Visitor numbers will also be limited for safety reasons.
Due to the phased reopening, with the exception of Inchcolm Abbey, seasonal sites will not be opening for the 2020 season in order for HES to focus on access for properties which are open year-round. There are over 40 seasonal sites which usually open in April and close in October.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES, said: “At the forefront of our planning is the safety of our staff and visitors, whilst being able to reopen for the tourist season by gradually enabling safe access to our properties and facilities in line with Scottish Government guidance.
“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.”
Alex continues: “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 want to ask our visitors to help create a safe environment by behaving responsibly and following our guidance at properties, and we will be providing further information on our website for visitors to help them prepare for their visit.”
HES has also published Policy and Guidance for the reopening of the properties in its care. The standards have been developed from a wide range of sector and industry advice, guidance and best practice, and set the benchmark for the safe reopening of sites and resumption of operational activities. The Operating Standards have been published to provide a resource for the wider heritage sector, and to support and assist other organisations with their own resumption planning.
HES is responsible for over 300 heritage sites, including over 70 staffed Historic Scotland attractions such as Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Skara Brae. All HES properties were closed to the public on Wednesday 18 March, in line with Scottish Government guidance.
For further information on the re-opening please visit www.historicenvironment.scot
To view the COVID-19 Policy and Minimum Operating Standards, visit: historicenvironment.scot/covid-19-operating-standards
Image credit: Historic Environment Scotland - Edinburgh Castle
Latest Glasgow News
Beef up your Euro 2020 celebrations with an alcoholic Bovril shot
Scottish football fans are being encouraged to beef up their Euro 2020 celebrations with the country's first ever alcoholic Bovril long shot!
Mackies of Scotland and National Trust for Scotland announce partnership to get families exploring this summer
Families are invited to reconnect with the National Trust for Scotland properties they love, uncover clues as they explore and receive a delicious Mackie’s chocolate treat for their efforts.
71p Burgers at Hard Rock Glasgow TODAY to celebrate 50th Anniversary
Guests can join in the 50th Anniversary celebration with 71p burgers at Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow TODAY ONLY, as a new partnership with footballer Lionel Messi is unveiled!
Support on the Street for Scotland at The Euros
With Scotland fans dreaming of Euro glory, support for Steve Clarke's team is now firmly on the map as a mall in Glasgow has been temporarily renamed 'Tartan Army Terrace'!
Scottish businesses prepare for COP26 with virtual event
The Get Inspired 2021 event, hosted by Circular Glasgow, will welcome a number of speakers to explore three themes at the core of becoming a truly circular economy: youth, innovation and technology.
People across Scotland urged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease
Scots are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of adults who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.
A journey from lockdown back to live theatre 2021 to 2022
Join the National Theatre of Scotland on a journey back to live theatre as it celebrates a programme of new tours, returning productions, a World Premiere and its ongoing digital programme.
St. Enoch Centre set to inspire next generation of Scotland stars
St. Enoch Centre has launched a giveaway to inspire the next generation of Scotland football stars!
Salvage Hunters want your location recommendations for their upcoming episode set to be filmed in Scotland
Salvage Hunters, the well-loved and most watched Discovery Network show is on the hunt for locations to feature in their special Scotland episode.
Yes sir, I can Bogie! Euros inspired Scottish cocktail kicks off summer at Fore Play Crazy Golf
Glasgow's favourite adult-only alternative night out, Fore Play Crazy Golf has unveiled a new cocktail menu, including a Euros-inspired Scottish serve, to kick off summer!
Dobbies announces virtual events to elevate your garden this summer
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced two virtual Expert Events to help gardeners elevate their green spaces this summer, no matter the size or style of their garden.
Cultural programme for UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Fan Zone unveiled
A packed programme of live performances has been announced for the UEFA EURO 2020 Glasgow Fan Zone, with Glasgow Green set to showcase Scotland’s diverse cultural scene!
Adult only themed golf venue to spark the revival of the entertainment scene in Glasgow this Summer
Creators of popular adult-only entertainment hot spot Ghetto Golf plan to open the first-ever 'Golf Fang' as part of the Big Fang Collective in the heart of the city centre next month!
Cast announced for the world premiere stage production of the classic Disney movie, Bedknobs and Broomsticks
Michael Harrison is thrilled to announce the cast for Disney's Bedknobs and Broomsticks, which will make its Scottish premiere as an exciting new stage musical in November!
itison give the chance to win a VIP Olympic experience with Sir Chris Hoy to raise funds for Social Bite
Win a VIP Olympic experience with Sir Chris Hoy or 90s throwback fitness class with Mr Motivator courtesy of itison... and help raise funds for Social Bite to break the cycle of homelessness.
Calling all upcycling artists, makers, and crafters... The Clydeside Collective needs you!
The greenest creatives in Glasgow offered the chance to showcase their work in a new sustainable city centre retail space!
West End and TV star Darren Day will star in the new UK tour of Chicago
West End and TV star Darren Day will play 'Billy Flynn' in the forthcoming UK and Ireland tour of the international musical sensation CHICAGO opening at the King's Theatre, Glasgow on 11th September!
Piping Live! Confirmed for 2021
Piping Live! is back for 2021 with a nine-day festival packed full of world-class performances, music sessions, recitals, competitions, book launches, workshops and so much more!
St. Enoch Centre to open first phase of multi million pound development
St. Enoch Centre will be opening the first phase of its multi-million-pound redevelopment this Saturday which will be a welcome boost for Glasgow city centre's recovery post COVID.
Louise Redknapp is working 9 to 5 this August
Louise Redknapp gets back to business as she reprises her role as Violet Newstead in the forthcoming tour of Dolly Parton's smash hit musical, 9 to 5 coming to the King's Theatre from 24th August!
Charity thanks volunteers for the massive difference they make
Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, is getting ready to celebrate Volunteers’ Week (1st – 7th June) by thanking their volunteers for the huge difference that they make to people’s lives.
Glasgow Jazz Festival announces full line up for 2021 digital edition
The full line-up of artists who are set to perform as part of the three-day digital Glasgow Jazz Festival, taking place between Friday 18th and Sunday 20th June, has been announced!
Royal Scottish National Orchestra perform with award winning pianist Benjamin Grosvenor
This week award-winning pianist Benjamin Grosvenor joins the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) and Principal Guest Conductor Elim Chan for a digital performance of Chopin's Piano Concerto No1.
Scottish Opera returns to live performance with over 200 pop up opera shows this Summer
Scottish Opera returns to live outdoor performance for the first time in nine months, with its popular Pop-up Opera Roadshow, starting Thursday 10th June!
Ayr company scoops best ice cream in UK award!
Mancini's of Ayr has been voted the best ice cream manufacturer in the UK at the National Ice Cream Championships 2021 run by the Ice Cream Alliance, the sector's UK trade association.
Skylark IX Recovery Trust announces Bright Future for Dunkirk Little Ship
The Skylark IX Recovery Trust has announced ambitious plans to secure a bright future for the much-loved Skylark IX 'Dunkirk Little Ship' at the heart of a new immersive heritage experience!
Plans launched to plant ten trees for every person in Glasgow City Region
Over the next decade, ten trees for every man, woman and child in Glasgow City Region will be planted as part of a new urban ‘forest’ to tackle climate change.
Scottish Celebrity Chef backs charity Tartan Tea Party to celebrate Thank You Day
Michelin Star Chef Tom Kitchin is backing Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Tartan Tea Party to celebrate the nationwide 'Thank You Day' on Sunday 4th July.
Bauer Media Scotland celebrate success at Audio and Radio Industry Awards
Bauer Media Scotland is celebrating after picking up four awards at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards (ARIAs).
Dobbies celebrates National Childrens Gardening Week with refreshed Little Seedlings and Ambassador launch
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced the online relaunch of its much-loved Little Seedlings Club, to support and celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week.
Sponsored Links
