NTS closing all properties after social distancing rules flouted

The National Trust for Scotland has announced it is closing all of its parks, gardens and car parks – because people are flouting social distancing rules.

The popular Culzean Country Park, and Brodick Country Park, are among the locations affected, as well as the grounds of properties such as Crathes and Brodie castles.

The trust is also closing all holiday let properties and cancelling all bookings to the end of April – and will extend this if needed.

The charity has also said that it will not accept any new bookings for stays before June 4, again with this date subject to review.

It is also telling people – as of now – not to travel to its island properties in order to protect communities.

The trust had previously announced that it would leave some gardens, grounds and parkland open for free access during the coronavirus crisis.

The decision to go ahead with a

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To support nonessential travel instruction, we are closing all our remaining open properties. SIMON SKINNER, NTS CHIEF EXECUTIVE

blanket closure follows in the light of calls by the Scottish Government for people to suspend unnecessary travel, especially to more remote areas, and for the owners of all hotels, B&BS and self-catering accommodation to close.

The trust stressed its decision “was also influenced by a busy weekend at some properties where social distancing guidance was not being followed” – and the potential threat to the wellbeing to both visitors and the trust’s staff this was causing.

Staff are contacting people who have made bookings to offer alternative dates in the future, a voucher that can be exchanged for up to a year ahead, or a full refund.

Chief executive Simon Skinner said: “As I have said before, our absolute priority is to ensure the wellbeing of our visitors and workforce. It is this that has led us to today’s very difficult decision.

“To support non-essential travel instruction, we are closing all our remaining open properties.”