Key council services set to reopen across Edinburgh

A number of key council services in the Capital will shortly reopen following the move to Level 3 in Scotland.

Services resuming will include libraries starting on May 3.

Plans have been developed to prioritise the reopening of these venues, in line with the Scottish government’s current guidance and the route map out of lockdown.

Services resuming will include libraries starting on May 3, the City Art Centre on 15 May, outdoor extra-curricular activities in schools and Edinburgh Leisure centres gyms, swimming pools, children’s coaching and more.

Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Donald Wilson, said: “It’s great to see our first libraries reopening their doors next week with more to follow in May as part of our plans for a gradual reopening of community amenities across the city.

“This phased reopening, which will also see the City Art Centre welcome back visitors, community centres offering essential services like youth work and Edinburgh Leisure venues up and running again, is the first step in our gradual and careful emergence from lockdown.”

Library services reopening will remind residents that numbers will be limited due to safety measures in place and visits will need to be booked in advance, which can be done online or by phoning the library. Social distancing measures will be in place and face coverings will be mandatory.

Community centres aim to re-establish essential services such as youth work, with processes in place to allow them to identify services they want to resume, and any support required to do so.

Outdoor extracurricular activities resumed in schools on 26th April, including activities such as sport, drama, dance, music and art, yet indoor activities are not currently permitted.

Edinburgh Leisure have already resumed outdoor sports for 12-17-year-olds, with individual exercise now open. It is hoped that outdoor adult contact sport and indoor group exercise can restart on May 17th, with indoor non-contact sport following in early June.

Culture and Communities Vice Convener, Councillor Amy McNeese-Mechan, said: “We really appreciate everyone’s support and patience as we gradually start to welcome people back into their much-loved local spaces like our libraries, community centres and sports venues. I’m sure everyone will fully appreciate that our top priority remains the health of our citizens and staff.”

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