Visitors will once again by able to 'storm' Blackness Castle

The castle is just one of Scotland’s historic sites getting ready to lower their drawbridges once more in line with the Scottish Government's route map to lift restrictions across the country.

Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has set out its plans for the reopening of its sites as COVID-19 restrictions ease, adopting a phased approach to reopen its properties, with over 70 per cent of its free to access and ticketed properties re-opening on Friday, April 30.

This will see Blackness Castle and some of Scotland’s most iconic heritage sites, including Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle reopen to the public in line with Scottish Government guidelines.

HES also plans to re-open further sites across Scotland as part of a rolling programme of reopening over the coming months.

As part of the reopening, 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, while some areas of sites, such as enclosed spaces, will be closed off to visitors.

Visitor numbers will also be limited for safety reasons.

Alex Paterson, HES chief executive, said: “Scotland’s heritage attractions are a key part of our tourism sector both nationally and at a local community level, and contribute to our individual wellbeing, so we’re delighted to once again be opening sites up across the country.

“This will see us reopen all of the sites we reopened last year on the 30 April as well as further sites across the country on a phased based over the upcoming months.

“As always, the safety of our staff and visitors has been at the forefront of our planning, enabling safe access to our properties in line with Scottish Government guidance and our minimum operating standards which underpin our approach.

“We’re also pleased to tell the story of the sites through technology so visitors have the opportunity to experience the old and the new when they are exploring some of our most iconic sites and enjoying a piece of 5,000 years of history.”

Visit www.historicenvironment.scot for more information.