Dumbarton Castle is set to reopen within the next two months as lockdown restrictions ease.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) yesterday (Monday) set out its approach to the reopening of its heritage sites across Scotland with the local fort due to welcome visitors again from August or September.
The phased approach which will see locations opening gradually over the next two months has taken into consideration the regional picture to ensure that, as much as possible, HES’ reopening plans appropriately consider the circumstances in the local area.
Visitors, including members, will be required to prebook 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.
HES chief executive Alex Paterson 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.
“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.”
More information is at www.historicenvironment.scot
