Elgin Cathedral re-opens to visitors
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Elgin Cathedral has re-opened to visitors for the first time after closing in March due to Covid-19 restrictions.
The 13th century cathedral, known as the Lantern of the North, was the principal church of the bishops of Moray and is celebrated as one of Scotland’s most beautiful medieval cathedrals.
It became a visitor attraction in the early 1800s, with much of its remaining structure, including the cathedral towers, still giving visitors an insight into its original size and grandeur.
It is today managed by Historic Environment Scotland.
As part of the re-opening, while all external spaces will be accessible, new measures for the safety of staff and visitors will be in place at the site including one-way systems in some locations and the closure of some indoor areas, such as small enclosed spaces where physical distancing is not possible.
All visitors will also have to book tickets in advance via the HES website. Signage is in place on site to guide visitors and while some enclosed areas may be closed, there will be additional interpretation information available, so visitors don’t miss out. Visitors with smart phones will also be able to scan available QR codes on some of the interpretation materials for information on areas of the sites that are not yet accessible.
The cathedral’s towers will also be open – to the first-floor level - and staff have introduced enhanced cleaning measures, including the toilet facilities, to make visitors feel comfortable and safe. The cathedral shop will also be open. All staff have been trained in hygiene and physical distancing and have been provided with the necessary PPE.
Alex Paterson, chief executive of HES, said: “Our historic sites are internationally renowned symbols of Scotland, and their reopening is an important milestone not only for our organisation, but for the country as a whole as we continue on our journey to recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We know how keen people are to access our historic sites and are pleased to now be able to again open up Elgin Cathedral to visitors.
“We are on track to open 23 ticketed sites by mid-September, and this is all down to the efforts of all of our staff to ensure these historic sites are ready to safely welcome visitors once again."
He thanked visitors for their patience and reassured them that the safety and quality of their visitor experience has been at the forefront of preparations.
He added: “The tourism sector will be central to Scotland’s national recovery, and our historic attractions are a key part of that (tourism) offering, including secondary spend. We’re also encouraging people across Scotland to visit historic sites in their local area and rediscover the rich history on their doorstep.”
Elgin Cathedral reopens from today, Friday, August 21 and is open from 10am to 4pm with last admission at 3.30pm.
For more information about visiting Elgin Cathedral, as well as HES’s plans to reopen more sites across Scotland visit www.historicreopening.scot
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