Attractions welcome visitors back after four months’ lay-off

The grounds of a former Victorian penitentiary were among the first of the north-east’s cultural attractions to reopen yesterday.

Staff at Peterhead Prison Museum were standing guard to once again welcome visitors after a months of closure.

The six-acre site already had a one-way system in place, giving bosses a head start when it came to ensuring social distancing as part of their coronavirus preparations.

But they have installed a new queuing system, discounts for buying tickets online and put in place rigorous cleaning procedures.

Operations manager Alex Geddes said: “Early in the morning it was quieter, which was good as it allowed us to get used to the new system, but things have really picked up.

“Everyone has said they really enjoyed it and thought the measures we’ve put in place have kept the look and feel of the place.

“People are already used to going to supermarkets so they’re aware of what they need to do in other places already.”

Thrill-seekers are also being catered for with the reopening of outdoor rides at Codona’s Amusement Park in Aberdeen.

Manager Jack Codona said: “All the kids have been smiling and having a good time, and it’s nice they can have some normality back in their lives.

“Overall we’re very chuffed with how it’s all gone.

“It’s just a shame we only have a few weeks until the schools go back.”

And John Webster, the manager of Lochter Activity Centre in Oldmeldrum, said: “We’ve only been open one day and have had so many people come out already.

“We’ve been taking bookings for families and other small groups over the next few weeks as well.

“We’ve had to make a few changes but everyone has been understanding about them.”

Many other venues in the area are still working towards reopening.

Grampian Transport Museum at Alford is planning to welcome customers again from July 23, having spent “much time, effort and expense” to ensure it is safe.

Earlier this month it was announced that staff at Aberdeen Art Gallery are working towards a late August or early September date.

But the city council has said it is likely be “some time” before other sites such as the Maritime and Tolbooth museums reach the same milestone.

For those preferring to stay at home for entertainment, keen readers in Aberdeenshire can now use a click and collect service to pick up library books.

Bookable slots have opened up to visit the area’s library headquarters in Oldmeldrum, with facilities in Fraserburgh, Banchory, Ellon and Stonehaven to follow by the end of the month.

Aberdeen City Council is planning to launch a similar click and collect service at “several” of its facilities to coincide with the resumption of its home library service, and says a start date will be announced in due course.

“All the kids have been smiling and having a good time”

Alex Geddes of Peterhead Prison Museum says business is picking up