Glasgow museums and venues to reopen from 26 April
- Published
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will reopen with social distancing measures in place
Glasgow's Kelvingrove Art Gallery, Riverside Museum, Emirates Arena and other public buildings are set to reopen from 26 April.
Glasgow Life has announced opening dates for more than 90 city venues over the following weeks.
The charity, which delivers culture and leisure services for Glasgow City Council, said visitor numbers would be restricted due to social distancing.
The move comes as Covid lockdown restrictions are eased in Scotland.
Glasgow Life said reopenings would be subject to local infection rates and the city being in, or below, level three of the Scottish government's Covid protection levels.
Last summer many major tourist attractions did not reopen for some time after restrictions eased.
This time round the signs are that many will reopen on 26 April itself or very soon afterwards.
Three of Glasgow's biggest attractions reopen on the 26th as will the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh, the National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride and the National Museum of Flight in East Lothian. The National War Museum at Edinburgh Castle follows a few days later.
The V&A in Dundee will reopen on 1 May.
The National Trust for Scotland says many of its sites will be open this spring.
The sense is that after a terrible 13 months, many major attractions are pulling out the stops to reopen as quickly as possible and have as normal a season as may be practical.
This is not just vital to the attractions themselves. It could help the whole Scottish hospitality and tourist industry recover.
As more hotels reopen, they will be hoping for plenty of bookings from people who may simply need a break after such a difficult time.
Tourism plays a vital economic role in many rural areas but also in Scotland's biggest cities.
Hotels in cities often attract large numbers of international visitors and conference delegates. Once they reopen, they will have to rely on people planning trips within Scotland and the rest of the UK.
If "staycations" are to be an attractive option, there will need to be plenty of things to see and do - not least a trip to a gallery or museum.
Devastating impact
Chief executive, Dr Bridget McConnell, said: "Visits will look a little different as we ensure that facilities are safe for everyone. We look forward to welcoming people back in the weeks and months ahead.
"The coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact, but with the easing of restrictions, people will once again be able to access many of the services they rely on."
Visitor numbers will be restricted at the Mitchell Library and other venues
Glasgow Life has already reopened 10 libraries across the city for computer and internet access, plus 14 outdoor sports venues including pitches, tennis and bowls facilities, in line with Scottish government guidance.
The Mitchell Library will reopen on Tuesday 27 April. Other community and sports facilities including Hillhead Library, Glasgow BMX Centre and Tollcross International Swimming Centre will open their doors in the following weeks.
Covid safety measures will still be in place and advance booking will be required for some venues.
The charity warned last year that many services faced an uncertain future due to the impact of lockdown on its finances.
More than 18 million people used Glasgow Life services in 2019 before the pandemic hit. Its operating budget was £115.5m.
Last month, Glasgow City Council confirmed it would provide a £100m safety net to stabilise the charity's financial position.