Conservation charity the National Trust for Scotland has confirmed that most of its built heritage as well as estates and gardens across Edinburgh and the Lothians will be open for visitors from the end of April, in line with the easing of lockdown rules.
Many outdoor locations have been accessible for exercise all through the winter, including the grounds at Newhailes and Inveresk Lodge Garden.
The charity has shared plans for opening built heritage at Georgian House in Edinburgh, Preston Mill in East Lothian and Newhailes House in Musselburgh from 30 April onwards, providing Scotland continues to progress out of lockdown as planned.
Chief Executive Philip Long OBE said: “Everyone at the Trust is looking forward to welcoming our visitors back to the beautiful places we protect. Across Edinburgh and the Lothians, our teams are hard at work preparing for reopening and giving everyone a warm, and of course, safe welcome.
“Our charity is very grateful to the Scottish Government, our members and donors whose support and generosity means we can re-open more properties than we’d thought would have been possible this year. So many people love these places and after such a difficult year, all of us at the Trust are pleased to be able to share this positive news, and so many of our special places once again.”
The Trust is urging anyone planning to visit to check the latest opening information on www.nts.org.uk before travelling, as some properties have different opening patterns this summer.
The website also contains information for visitors on the safety measure that will be in place for visits –
https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/what-to-expect-when-visiting-our-places ,
as well as sharing its top tips for visiting responsibly
– https://www.nts.org.uk/stories/top-10-tips-for-visiting-our-countryside-places.
Caring for countryside costs the charity millions each year. Supporters are being asked to donate to help the Trust help nature, now and in the future.
Find out more at: www.nts.org.uk/help-nature.