Several ancient sites across Scotland will welcome visitors for the first time since March when they reopen next week.
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) is in the midst of phased plans to unlock all of its attractions and has now confirmed that some north and north-east landmarks are being prepared to usher in guests within days.
Among 12 sites to open next week will be Huntly Castle on Wednesday and Elgin Cathedral on Friday.
HES has also confirmed that Skara Brae in Orkney and Dunstaffnage Castle in Oban will reopen on Friday, August 28.
Tickets have now gone on sale for each of the historic properties.
HES is on track to reopen a further 10 ticketed sites in September, but the move will be assessed in line with Scottish Government guidance.
This follows the successful relaunch weekend for Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle at Loch Ness – which were the first of HES’s ticketed sites to reopen.
New safety measures have been put in place on site, with cash payments no longer being accepted for the foreseeable future, and visitors being asked to use contactless payment where possible.
One-way systems will be in place in some locations, and some indoor areas may be closed, such as small enclosed spaces where physical distancing is not possible.
Visitors will be asked to wear face coverings when entering any retail shops, cafes and internal enclosed spaces at sites, in line with Scottish Government guidance.
Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HES said: “I am very pleased that we are on track to open 23 ticketed sites by mid-September, and this is all down to the efforts of all of our staff to ensure these historic sites are ready to safely welcome visitors once again.
“We hope the reopening of these iconic sites will help to further demonstrate that Scotland’s tourism industry is open for business, and we thank everyone who has already helped kick start the tourism industry by visiting Edinburgh, Stirling and Urquhart castles since they reopened at the beginning of this month.”
Tickets must be booked online in advance. For more information about visiting sites once they reopen, people can visit: www.historicreopening.scot
