Covid-friendly Easter fun in store across Perthshire

With sunshine predicted for most of Easter weekend, visitor attractions in Tayside and Fife will be open for socially-distanced fun.

From yesterday the Scottish Government is asking people to Stay Local, which means they can travel within their local authority area for nonessential purposes.

After attractions were forced to close in the winter, there are now some Covid-friendly options across the region.

Scone Palace announced on Facebook it would offer free entry this weekend and will be open for an extra hour on Monday.

Resident peacock Alexander will even be on hand to meet and greet visitors.

Elsewhere in Perthshire and Fife, Scotland’s first ever Spring Flower Festival gets under way.

From Friday until May 31, gardens across the country will be welcoming visitors to enjoy the spectacle as the season unfolds.

A mix of live and virtual tours and workshops will allow people to immerse themselves in the sights and smells of some of Scotland’s best gardens as nature puts on its finest show.

At Cluny House Gardens, outside Aberfeldy, there is the chance to walk through woodland gardens filled with blue Himalayan poppies and brightlycoloured candelabra primulas.

At Teasses in central Fife, head gardener Craig Cameron will be leading foraging walks to reveal the wild larder that is popping up amongst the fresh, spring growth.

Catherine Erskine, chairwoman of festival organisers Discover Scottish Gardens, said: “Spring is always uplifting, but it has taken on special significance this year and we want to encourage as many people as possible to enjoy the sense of life beginning again that this season of awakening is set to bring.”

All garden openings will be socially-distanced and will take place within Covid-19 guidelines.

Cairnie Fruit Farm near Cupar opened its outdoor areas and Funyard on Thursday and will be staying open from 10am to 4pm, seven days a week.

All tickets must be prebooked in advance via the website.

Limited hot and cold drinks and Easter treats will be available this weekend.

The farm cafe and shop will remain closed, with season ticket holders not obliged to book.

In Angus, Charleston Fruit Farm near Montrose has set up an Easter tea party with bunnies for people to enjoy.

There is no need to book, but staff will be counting numbers entering and leaving to ensure visitors can socially distance.

Members of the public are being asked to avoid busy places and maintain physical distancing to prevent the spread of coronavirus during the Easter weekend.

In Dundee, locals can enjoy strolls at Magdalen Green, Broughty Ferry beach and Camperdown Country Park, although the wildlife centre remains closed.

The beauty spots are expected to be busy over the weekend and members of the public have been asked to remain cautious of crowds.

Guidance on meeting outdoors has not changed from the current restrictions of up to four adults from two separate households.

CRACKING: Family fun will be at a premium over the Easter weekend and there are plenty of Covid-friendly events to be found in the region.