A NEW online booking system will be in place as Helensburgh’s main tourist attraction re-opens to visitors next week.
The Hill House will re-open on Thursday, August 13, almost five months to the day since the Charles Rennie Mackintosh-designed building was forced to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS), which owns the property, is gradually re-opening its castles, houses and visitor centres across the country following the easing of lockdown measures and the Helensburgh and Lomond area’s other NTS site, Geilston Garden in Cardross, re-opened on July 6.
A statement on the NTS website on Monday said: “We know that many people can’t wait to return to the Hill House but we also need to keep you safe during your visit.
READ MORE: Geilston Garden in Cardross welcomes first visitors of 2020
“As we move away from lockdown, we have to limit the numbers of visitors in the house at any one time so that we avoid overcrowding and ensure physical distancing.
“We have set up a pre-booking system to make your tour around the house easier and safer.
“Ticket numbers are capped each day, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment.
“No more than eight people will be permitted per half-hour time slot. In accordance with government guidelines, booking groups should contain no more than three household groups.
“We strongly advise that you pre-book before travelling and also visit the Hill House property page to check opening times and to find out which facilities are open.
“If you do not pre-book, we cannot guarantee entry to the house and you may be turned away.”
The Hill House will be open from 10am-5pm, Thursday to Monday, with limited access to the house.
READ MORE: Glenarn Garden near Helensburgh re-opens after lockdown
Other historic sites which will re-open this month include the Glencoe visitor centre and the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Ayrshire.
NTS chairman Sir Mark Jones said: “We are delighted that we can open up dozens more of our beautiful places once again.
“Our staff are coming back from furlough, we’ve redesigned the visitor routes at some places and, of course, we are closely following all the advice on safety and hygiene measures, so that everyone can enjoy their trip to the Trust.
“As we all adapt to the ‘new normal’, there will be some changes on the ground at properties, and we hope that our members, supporters and visitors will be patient and work with us during this time of transition. We would also please ask visitors to stick to the latest guidance and carefully observe social distancing.
“We are really looking forward to welcoming our visitors back and we hope that this helps us all emerge back into the light, after being confined for so long.”
Visit nts.org.uk for more information.
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