FLS urges people to stay local for the Easter weekend

FLS urges people to stay local for the Easter weekendAhead of the long Easter weekend Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is reminding people that all of its car parks and visitor facilities remain closed as part of Scotland’s response to the challenges of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).The closures are in support of UK and Scottish Government requirements on social distancing and on the avoidance of unnecessary travel.Simon Hodgson, FLS Chief Executive, said; “We have made the difficult decision to close our car parks, mountain bike trails and all visitor facilities. Initially our car parks were open but this resulted in a high number of visitors over the Mothers’ Day weekend. “As a result, in line with government requirements for us all to avoid unnecessary travel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 our car parks have been closed from Monday 30 March.“We appreciate that fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and well-being – especially on long weekends - and local forest trails are open for local visitors. “Our mountain bike trails however remain closed as our staff, who are working from home, cannot be out and about doing our regular safety checks and maintenance.“If you can get to one of our forests by walking, by bicycle or by wheelchair, you are very welcome - as long as you follow social distance guidelines. I would urge everyone to follow the current government and NHS health advice.”Until further notice, all of FLS’s visitor centres across Scotland are closed. Glenmore Visitor Centre, near AviemoreQueen’s View Visitor Centre, Tay Forest ParkThe Lodge, near AberfoyleGlentress, near PeeblesKirroughtree, Galloway Forest ParkClatteringshaws, Galloway Forest ParkGlentrool, Galloway Forest ParkAe, near Dumfries

Ahead of the long Easter weekend Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) is reminding people that all of its car parks and visitor facilities remain closed as part of Scotland’s response to the challenges of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

The closures are in support of UK and Scottish Government requirements on social distancing and on the avoidance of unnecessary travel.

Simon Hodgson, FLS Chief Executive, said;

“We have made the difficult decision to close our car parks, mountain bike trails and all visitor facilities. Initially our car parks were open but this resulted in a high number of visitors over the Mothers’ Day weekend.

“As a result, in line with government requirements for us all to avoid unnecessary travel to reduce the spread of COVID-19 our car parks have been closed from Monday 30 March.

“We appreciate that fresh air and being outdoors benefits physical and mental health and well-being – especially on long weekends - and local forest trails are open for local visitors.

“Our mountain bike trails however remain closed as our staff, who are working from home, cannot be out and about doing our regular safety checks and maintenance.

“If you can get to one of our forests by walking, by bicycle or by wheelchair, you are very welcome - as long as you follow social distance guidelines. I would urge everyone to follow the current government and NHS health advice.”

Until further notice, all of FLS’s visitor centres across Scotland are closed -

Glenmore Visitor Centre (near Aviemore)
Queen’s View Visitor Centre (Tay Forest Park)
The Lodge (near Aberfoyle),
Glentress (near Peebles)
Kirroughtree (Galloway Forest Park)
Clatteringshaws (Galloway Forest Park)
Glentrool (Galloway Forest Park)
Ae (near Dumfries)

Notes to editors

Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Minsters in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
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Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 0131 370 5059 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot