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 Stirling News
Dobbies takes part in charity coffee morning
Dobbies Garden Centres is raising vital funds for Macmillan's Coffee Morning this week, by hosting its own 'Raise a Cup' event at their Scottish stores!
Free bike initiative extended until late Autumn
An initiative offering Stirling residents free access to bikes has been extended until late autumn thanks to funding from Paths for All’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places Local Authority Fund.
Scottish Festival Goes Global
Bloody Scotland online concluded yesterday with an audience far greater than could have ever squeezed into the Albert Halls.
Bloody Scotland International Crime Festival reveales winners
Bloody Scotland International Crime Festival reveals the winners of the Bloody Scotland Debut Prize and the McIlvanney Prize 2020 to be two debut women writers.
A Drive In Christmas Panto is coming to Glasgow and Edinburgh this winter!
Just when you thought your Christmas show had been cancelled, Horrible Histories comes to the rescue with their own unique take on the festive season!
Rising Enquiries Prompts West Lothian Venue to Unveil New Wedding Packages
Macdonald Houstoun House has seen a 25% spike in enquiries after launching a series of flexible wedding packages created specially to help couples tie the knot following lockdown.
Rising Enquiries Prompts Falkirk Venue to Unveil New Wedding Packages
Macdonald Inchyra Hotel & Spa has seen a 25% spike in enquiries after launching a series of flexible wedding packages created specially to help couples get married following lockdown.
Welcome to the House of Fun
Bannockburn House Trust is set to host a series of virtual events this month, starting with Doors Open Day this weekend (19-20 September).
Beat the Street Forth and Clyde sets off on the right foot!
The Beat the Street Forth and Clyde physical activity game is off to a great start this week with 1,062 players signed up and a total of 1,600 miles travelled!
Dobbies launches Christmas events programme with social distancing and safety at forefront
With the festive season in sight, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, Dobbies Garden Centres, announces its Christmas events offering for 2020.
Third Helping of Food Fest
Forth Valley Food Festival will return this October with a series of virtual and socially distanced events showcasing local food and drink producers, growers, brewers and eateries.
Dates announced for GlasGLOW, returning to light up the city this October!
itison have announced that GlasGLOW will return to Glasgow's Botanic Gardens from the 29th October to the 8th November with early bird tickets on sale on the 16th September!
Go Forth Stirling Launches September Online Courses
Food Safety Awareness is one of the new topics added to Go Forth Stirling’s free online training programme this month.
Stirling Businesses Welcome University Students
Stirling’s business community is set to welcome new students as they arrive at the University of Stirling this weekend.
The Dog Ate My Homework
The Dog Ate My Homework, CBBC's BAFTA nominated comedy panel show, is back for a eighth series and they need you!
SBH Scotland are on the hunt for skydive heroes
Come fly with us in 2021! Join Team SBH Scotland for an exhilarating Charity Skydive at Errol Airfield, Perthshire.
Kids in Museums and Walkers Books announce an exciting half term activity for families!
Kids in Museums are delighted to announce that they are once again partnering with Walker Books on an exciting half term activity for families: Where's Wally? Spooky Museum Search!
The SAY Award Live at the Longlist line up announced
The SAY Award have today announced an outstanding line-up for this year’s Live at the Longlist event as Free Love, Kinnaris Quintet and Sacred Paws all take to the stage ahead of the 2020 reveal.
TeamEilidh takes to the streets in virtual event
Runners and walkers across Scotland will be taking to the streets this weekend (5 & 6 September) in a virtual event in support of the Eilidh MacLeod Memorial Trust.
Win the ultimate staycation for you and five friends!
Tennent's is giving fans the ultimate staycation at a lighthouse to celebrate their latest beer, Tennent's Light, hitting shops and supermarket shelves!
Nursery is on the right track
Bannockburn House Trust has gifted a train planter to local tots to help teach them about growing their own food and plants.
Scottish Family Firm launches The Angels Share Glass
The team at Stirling company Angels’ Share Glass, an award-winning family firm, has created a new spirits glass – The Angels’ Share Glass.
Bloody Scotland Festival reveals four finalists for the McIlvanney Prize 2020
Judges Karen Robinson, Stuart Cosgrove and James Crawford today reveal the finalists for The McIlvanney Prize 2020.
New Contact Tracing Web App for Forth Valley Businesses
Forth Valley Chamber of Commerce has launched a data collection app for the area’s business community.
Win a lifetime supply of ice cream!
A brand renowned for its sweet treats is set to grant a popular wish – by awarding a lifetime supply of its famed ice cream to a lucky fan!
Nominate Your High Street Hero Today
As part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign, Scotland's Towns Partnership is on the search for our High Street Heroes!
1 week left to submit youth made short films to the 2020 FYFF competition!
Only 1 week left to submit youth made short films for inclusion in the 2020 festival programme and competition.
Historic Environment Scotland to reopen a further 10 visitor attractions in September
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has announced reopening dates for a further 10 ticketed iconic sites throughout Scotland.
Bloody Scotland Festival reveals 2020 Virtual Programme
Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival reveals its 2020 programme today - an entirely on-line festival over the same weekend it should have been taking place in Stirling.
Stirling Photography Festival Epic Awards Nomination
A winner and runner-up for Scotland will be chosen from seven Scottish groups shortlisted for this year’s Epic Award and Stirling Photography Festival is on the short list!
Sponsored Links
