Cross-party MSPs urge Nicola Sturgeon to allow reopening of Edinburgh Zoo

The joint letter comes a day before Ms Sturgeon is expected to announce that Scotland is ready to move to the second phase of the government’s ‘route map’ towards lifting lockdown.

Conservative MSP Ruth Davidson, Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton, Labour MSP Daniel Johnson and Green MSP Andy Wightman have appealed to the Scottish Government to allow the zoo to recommence commercial operations in order to protect jobs.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said: “The closure of Edinburgh zoo would devastating for the community and for the hundreds of families of those who lost their jobs.

“Edinburgh Zoo has been a staple in the city since 1913. It's of immeasurable cultural and conservation value.

“The zoo has proved it can open to the public in a safe and cautious fashion. I implore the First Minister to save it from collapse.”

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has previously appealed to the Scottish Government to find a safe way to reopen the zoo, claiming that the charity's future remains at risk.

Similar facilities began to open their doors in England on Monday.

The Scottish Government's route map out of lockdown sets out that easing of restrictions during phase two could start from Friday.

It outlines that indoor workplaces which are not offices can resume with physical distancing, once guidance has been agreed.

Mr Johnson added: “As lockdown measures are due to be eased from this week, it is only right that Edinburgh Zoo is allowed to reopen in the safest way possible.

“The Scottish Government has a responsibility not to let Edinburgh Zoo and the network of supply chain jobs that rely on it, go to the wall."

RZSS chief executive David Field said: "We are talking to the Scottish Government and hope to reopen by the end of June as part of phase two, with a wide range of safety measures in place.

“Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park have large outdoor spaces and we can reopen safely by introducing social distancing, closing indoor areas, limiting visitor numbers and selling tickets online with time slots."

A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are in dialogue with zoos and wildlife parks about a safe reopening as quickly as is possible in careful accordance with science and public health advice - and the First Minister will give an update tomorrow on the next steps in lockdown easing.”

A Message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Joy Yates

Editorial Director