Eilean Donan Castle's operators raise concerns over timing of possible easing of tourism sector's Covid-19 lockdown; remark follows Scottish Government signal of possible July 15 date for easing coronavirus restrictions in the industry

'SURPRISED' operators of one of Ross-shire's most iconic attractions have raised concerns over the timing of national plans to reopen the tourist sector in the middle of July.

Eilean Donan Castle said the signal from the Scottish Government that tourism might be able to restart by July 15 had "come as something of a surprise" and that while the prospect of re-opening was "welcome" it vowed it will only open its doors when it it 100 per cent satisfied it is safe to do so.

The comments came after the Scottish Government said that the sector might be able to reopen from the coronavirus lockdown on July 15 – subject to efforts to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic continuing to quash the spread of the virus.

And in a statement issued on its Twitter account this afternoon, a spokesman for Eilean Donan Castle said: "Yesterday's Scottish Government announcement signalling that Scottish tourism could potentially restart as soon as July 15 came as something of a surprise.

"Whilst we welcome the prospect of re-opening we do have concerns as to the timing of such a move.

"Much of our last three months has been spent developing comprehensive operational systems, procedures and protocols to safeguard the welfare of our staff, our community and our visitors alike. However it is important to stress that regardless of others' directives, we will only reopen when we are 100 per cent certain that every conceivable precaution has been explored, considered and implemented to protect every single person that comes to Eilean Donan and our self-catering apartments.

"Before we open our doors to anyone, we shall publish full details of those new protocols on our websites and our social media channels. The operation will look very different to what we offered prior to Covid-19, and would welcome your fullest co-operation should you be planning a visit in the months ahead.

"One thing that will not be changing however, is the warmth of our welcome. Keep safe."

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