Branklyn Garden closed to the public

But many trust grounds will be accessible for free

Branklyn Garden in Perth will remain closed until further notice due to the coronavirus crisis.

National Trust for Scotland (NTS) closed all its gated properties (historic buildings, visitor centres, visitor facilities, cafés, shops and toilets) on Friday.

The NTS says it regrets the disappointment this announcement brings but “public safety must come first.”

Branklyn Garden was due to open to the public in April.

Due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), it will remain closed until further notice.

But in a gesture of goodwill, the NTS this week announced it would open its accessible gardens, country parks and gardens free of charge in order for members of the public to socially isolate in a wide open space.

A statement on the NTS website says it is “enabling visitors to escape isolation in a safe environment where ‘social distancing’ is easy to maintain.”

The countryside sites at Killiecrankie and the

Hermitage will also still remain accessible for those wishing to get outdoors.

However, all events due to take place before the end of May will be suspended.

This includes commercial bookings such as weddings. Managers will contact anyone who has made a holiday or commercial booking to “discuss refunds and alternative arrangements.”

Full refunds are being offered to anyone who bought a ticket for an event but, due to the high volume of calls and staff working from home, the NTS says this may take time.

The NTS says it would be very grateful to anyone who wishes their ticket price to be used as a donation and to anyone who simply wants to make a donation.

Donations can be made online via www.nts.org.uk

The trust’s chief executive Simon Skinner said: ‘We know that this will be a big let-down for the many people who were looking forward to celebrating the arrival of spring at our properties after a long, hard winter.

‘But we’re determined to make sure our members and visitors stay safe and well, and that’s why we felt we had no choice but to keep gated properties closed and cease all events for the time being.

“Cancelling events is a positive move to minimise the chances of large numbers of people being present at our properties at any one time, as per the guidance issued by the Scottish Government.

‘The flipside of that is that we’re keeping many of our parklands, gardens and beautiful landscapes open to offer a green, clean and fresh respite from all the troubles we’re seeing at the moment.

‘My message is that, with your continued support, the trust will still be here after this outbreak abates, and together we will ensure our national heritage will continue to offer you fabulous and inspirational places to visit and enjoy.’

The NTS will review its decision on a regular basis and aims to open its properties again “as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.”

Cancelling events is a positive move