Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has today (Monday 13 July) published Policy and Guidance for the reopening of the properties in its care, as the organisation announced plans for the phased reopening of some of Scotland’s most iconic historic attractions, including Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle and Urquhart Castle.
The COVID-19 Policy and Minimum Operating Standards outline the requirements that must be met before sites will be able to reopen in line with official government guidelines.
They have been developed from a wide range of sector and industry advice, guidance and best practice, and set the benchmark for the safe reopening of sites and resumption of operational activities.
The Operating Standards have been published to provide a resource for the wider heritage sector, and to support and assist other organisations with their own resumption planning.
Dr David Mitchell, Director of Conservation at HES, said:
“We have been undertaking an extensive exercise to carefully assess the requirements for the gradual reopening of our vast and diverse estate of over 300 unique properties.
The Policy and Guidance we have published today provides a detailed and robust basis for our approach to reopening, which above all has the safety of our staff and visitors at its forefront.
“We hope that this guidance will not only set out a clear and transparent approach to the reopening of the properties in our care, but also offer a resource for the wider sector to assist other organisations in the resumption of their own activities.”
Download our Minimum Operating StandardsAbout Historic Environment Scotland (HES)
- We are the lead public body charged with caring for, protecting and promoting the historic environment. We will lead on delivering Scotland’s first strategy for the historic environment, Our Place in Time.
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For further information, please contact:
Claire Mullaney
Historic Environment Scotland Media Office
Direct line: 0131 668 8588
Mobile: 07881 512 379
communications@hes.scot