Scott Monument, Usher Hall and Ross Bandstand all to shut as council closes Edinburgh museums and galleries to tackle COVID-19

Some of Scotland’s most iconic cultural venues and locations have been shut by Edinburgh City Council as part of a move to tackle the spread of coronavirus.

All of the Capital’s museums and galleries, alongside the Usher Hall, the Scott Monument and the Ross Bandstand shut tonight at 5pm and will remain closed until the end of April.

The Assembly Rooms, Churchill Theatre, and Nelson Monument were also shut as part of the move.

Museums closed include the Museum of Childhood, the Museum of Edinburgh, and the Writer’s Museum, with visitors advised to check the council website for more information on the closures.

The City Chambers Wedding Fayre that was due to take place on Sunday 29 March has also been cancelled by the council.

It comes as venues across the city closed their doors due to coronavirus.

The Traverse Theatre, the Royal Lyceum, most of the Capital’s chain cinemas including the Cameo Picturehouse shut amid following government advice to avoid venues on Monday.

A council spokesperson said: “In the light of the latest UK and Scottish Government advice on Coronavirus, we can confirm that regrettably we’ll be cancelling or postponing all performances at the Usher Hall, Assembly Rooms, Church Hill Theatre and Ross Bandstand until the end of April.

“The team are working with promoters about rescheduling or cancellation arrangements.

“We recommend that anyone with tickets for these cancelled upcoming events checks that their online account is up to date - please log in and make sure your contact details are correct, including a valid email address and telephone number.

“All of our Museum and Galleries including the City Art Centre, Museum of Edinburgh, Museum of Childhood, The People’s Story, The Writers’ Museum, Queensferry Museum, Lauriston Castle, Scott Monument and Nelson Monument will be closed from 5pm this evening until the end of April.”