‘Go before you go’ message as restrictions ease further

Residents planning on heading to one of the region’s Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) sites are being urged to “go before they go”this weekend.

The organisation opened a number of its visitor centres on Wednesday.

The majority of car parks are also now open, as the region begins to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic restrictions.

However, anyone planning on visiting this week has been warned toilet facilities will not start to reopen in a phased manner until Monday.

FLS said it took a “Herculean effort”to get 95 per cent of its car parks, most of its visitor centres and almost all its mountain bike trails open earlier this week.

Chief executive Simon Hodgson said:“After four months of restrictions I am sure that many people are looking forward to visiting one of our forests to help in their own mental, physical and spiritual recovery.

“Our staff have done an amazing job in getting us to the point where we are ready to welcome visitors back and I am delighted to say that now – in the new normal -we are open for business.

“However, this is a critical juncture in Scotland’s recovery. Progress to date could easily be reversed so it is vital that everyone plans ahead, has alternative options ready in case they arrive at a site that is already too busy and that they follow the latest Scottish Government guidance.

“In supporting this approach we will be implementing physical distancing in our visitor centres and will also require that anyone entering wears a face mask.

“We look forward to welcoming people back to our forests, our mountain bike trails and our visitor centres.

“Please remember to be considerate of each other and of our staff so that everyone can continue to stay safe and enjoy great days out.”

Residents are recommended to use the‘Our Forest’search facility on the FLS website.