Cross-party MSPS welcome Scots zoos reopening by end of month

Zoos across Scotland can reopen later this month as part of changes to lockdown, in a move welcomed by a crossparty group of MSPS campaigning to “save” Edinburgh Zoo.

Lib Dem Alex Cole-hamilton, Tory Ruth Davidson, the Greens’ Andy Wightman and Labour’s Daniel Johnson staged a rally outside the zoo on Thursday ahead of the announcement of further restrictions easing.

The quartet had issued a joint letter on Wednesday appealing to the Scottish Government to allow the zoo to recommence commercial operations to protect jobs.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, making a statement at Holyrood, confirmed outdoor businesses such as zoos and garden attractions can reopen from 29 June as part of the plan for phase two of leaving lockdown.

She advised people “should not travel more than around five miles to visit them” and “where these places are ticketed, tickets should be bought in advance”.

Mr Cole-hamilton, who represents Edinburgh Western, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to hear that the zoo is being allowed to reopen.

“Over 5,000 people signed our petition to ask it to reopen safely on the socially distanced basis, really glad that Nicola Sturgeon has listened to that.

“Many outdoor attractions are already open say, for example, Jupiter Artland - and they’re doing that on a safe socially distanced outdoor basis.

“The zoo spent many weeks adapting the facility to open likewise and they are confident that they can do so on a safe basis.”

Ms Davidson, MSP for Edinburgh Central also welcomed the announcement.

She said: “This isn’t a political issue, we just want to see the zoo opened.

“We represent all different parts of the city - all of us have constituents that are affected by this, there’s 300 jobs here at the zoo.

“I was in there the week before it shut with my little boy, he’s only 18 months old and loves looking at the animals.

“I’m so pleased that the Scottish Government has seen sense and allowed Edinburgh Zoo to reopen.”

Lothian MSP Mr Wightman said: “I’m glad that we’re in a position in regard to public health that we can do this and Nicola Sturgeon and the Government have been very clear that we need to be cautious about this.”