Places like museums and galleries as well as other heritage sites are able to open to the public from today.
Not all of them are reopening today. Edinburgh Castle, for example, will not open until 1 August 2020, when they say they will be ‘opening the drawbridge’. National Museum of Scotland on Chambers Street will remain closed for now and will confirm their opening date soon.
The National Galleries of Scotland will reopen in phases from August.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions claims that it will be the first indoor visitor attraction in Edinburgh to open today at 10am. It will then be open every day from 10am to 7pm and will offer lower prices to tempt everyone back. They have their Good to Go certificate from VisitScotland and are introducing a new one way route.
Camera Obscura offers visitors the chance to experience and take part in over 100 illusions as well as a breath of fresh air on the magnificent Rooftop Terrace which offers the most spectacular views of Edinburgh. Visitors will receive 10% off entry prices until October.
Andrew Johnson, General Manager of Camera Obscura & World of Illusions said:“We are very excited to be welcoming visitors back from Wednesday. Our team have been hard at work getting the attraction ready and we’re confident visitors of all ages will have a great time and be able to experience all our amazing exhibits on a new one-way route. The past few months have been difficult for everyone and we’re looking forward to offering an uplifting, fun and joyful experience. With entry numbers significantly reduced, this is the perfect time to visit – without the usual crowds.”
Phase 3 of the routemap out of lockdown allows libraries and cinemas to open from today.
All venues will have extra safety measures in place, and for many advance tickets are essential.
The Scottish Government has published guidance which includes practical advice for venues on the steps they need to take before and after re-opening, such as:
- establishing physical distancing, taking account of organisational capacity, queue management, signage and markings
- enhanced hand hygiene measures and cleaning practice
- advice on workforce planning, including training and equality issues
- guidance for customers to ensure they know how to plan ahead and enjoy visits safely
Also today hotels, cafés, restaurants and bars may invite customers indoors.
Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “We have made major progress in tackling coronavirus (COVID-19) and prevalence of the virus in Scotland continues to be lower than it is across the UK as a whole. It is because of this that we can continue to take these steps out of lockdown and start to safely welcome visitors back to our museums, galleries, and other attractions across the country.
“This is a positive step forward for cultural venues and visitor attractions, which have been hit hard by the pandemic. Our guidance, developed in partnership with employers, industry bodies and trades unions, provides the information these venues need to ensure the safety of staff and customers as they begin to re-open, and can give confidence to those who want to visit them.
“Museums and galleries play a crucial role in our communities and I’m sure that many people, including tourists, will be looking forward to our cultural sites and heritage spaces opening up again.
“If everyone sticks to the rules we will be able to drive the virus down further and live less restricted lives in the weeks and months ahead. People should look for those safety measures and be aware of the need to follow the FACTS at all times when out in the community.”
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
