When will the National Trust for Scotland open? The date properties, parks and car parks reopen in Scotland - and what happens to memberships

With lockdown restrictions lifting slowly but steadily in the UK, the rules on exercise and getting outside have changed
(Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)(Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
(Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The properties of the National Trust for Scotland serve as great places to get outdoors for some fresh air, and now, with no “legal limit on how far you can travel” to meet members of other households in groups of up to eight people, people will be wanting to get back to them.

But are National Trust for Scotland locations even open?

Here's everything you need to know:

(Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)(Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
(Photo: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

When will National Trust for Scotland locations be reopened?

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From 6 July, around 30 estates and gardens have been open, including Culzean Country Park in Ayrshire, Threave Garden in Dumfries & Galloway, Brodie Castle’s garden and grounds, Arduaine Garden in Argyll and Crathes Castle’s garden and estate in Aberdeenshire.

Countryside places such as St Abb’s Head National Nature Reserve and Ben Lawers National Nature Reserve have been open for local access, in line with Scottish Government guidelines, for a few weeks.

The Trust advise people to avoid visiting at traditional peak times, as much as possible, and to double-check opening times online, in advance of travel. Please also check individual property pages to find out if toilet facilities are available.

More information can be found here

Is social distancing when they do reopen?

“With some level of restrictions likely to apply post lockdown,” said Skinner, “I see little prospect of us being able to return to more normal levels of membership [and] visitation.”

“Post-lockdown, we plan to scale back our current offering to match the anticipated restrictions that will remain.

For more information on some of the changes The Trust have made to their places, read their guide to what to expect this summer.

What’s happening with memberships?

It appears as if there are no plans to freeze all memberships, but the Trust note that although you can’t visit their places, members can “connect with the places, properties and collections that make Scotland so special through our website and social media platforms.”

“You can sign up for member-exclusive digital content and activities to do in your house and garden on our stay in touch page or by going to your My Trust account and choosing to receive news and updates to your inbox.”