Leisure attractions preparing for prospect of reopening

Leisure attractions are preparing to reopen as lockdown restrictions ease.

David Field, chief executive of Edinburgh Zoo says it’s been a trying time for the attraction.

“It’s been a frightening time to think how we were going to come out of this crisis.” he says.

“I know many other businesses are the same, but we had so many animals to feed, we had so many animals to care for.

“We were quite worried for a long, long period – but we’re open.”

Despite the poor weather, plenty of families turned out to mark the reopening of Edinburgh Zoo on Monday.

Visitors will notice some changes including a game called ‘follow the orange’, which makes social distancing educational.

While venues like Edinburgh Zoo have been able to reopen, others are still waiting for a date.

Jennifer McNaughton runs a soft play centre in Erskine. She believes the reopening of leisure venues is crucial for children’s wellbeing.

“I have a daughter in P2 and actually they’re really upset. They’re crying, they’re angry, they just don’t know how to be.” Jennifer says.

“Because all of a sudden they’ve gone from going to their activities and school to nothing.”

At Landmark in Carrbridge, 400 gallons of hand sanitiser is the latest addition to the Highland theme park, where staff are working hard to reopen the site.

“We’re set in 40 acres of beautiful woodland. It’s a really beautiful area and people will want to escape to an area like this when it’s safe to do so,” says Ross Coulter from the park.

After three months of uncertainty, the opening of many venues across the country are a welcome moment of relief.

David says: “I feel really emotional. It kind of feels like Edinburgh Zoo has opened for the first time.

“Seeing all these happy faces, it’s just glorious.”