Storm Boelo: All the Edinburgh attractions which have announced closures as amber warning in place for strong winds
Edinburgh Castle, Princes Street Gardens and pumpkin patches are among those impacted by the storm
Attractions across Edinburgh have announced plans to close over the weekend when the city is set to be battered by high winds and heavy rain.
The Met Office has issued an upgraded amber weather warning for strong winds starting from 9pm on Saturday, October 24 until 9pm on Sunday, October 25 as Storm Boelo hits the Capital.
Its alert follows Friday’s yellow weather warning, with Storm Austen bringing flooding and travel disruption.
Pumpkin patches across Edinburgh and the Lothians were among the first to announce closures to the disappointment of the readying themselves for Halloween.
Here is a list of Edinburgh attractions which will be closed over the weekend due to the weather.
Edinburgh Castle
Historic Environment Scotland will close Edinburgh Castle on Sunday due to the weather.
It has also warned that it may need to adjust its opening and closing times on Saturday, with tickets for that day only purchasable from the castle grounds.
It advises guests to check its website before visiting.
Princes Street Gardens
The council are closing three of their parks for the entire weekend starting from 4pm on Friday.
Princes Street Gardens is among those closing their gates alongside Lauriston Castle grounds and Laughton Winter Gardens as winds of up to 70 mph hit Edinburgh.
It said the parks will re-open on Monday “as soon as it is safe to do so”.
Updates and further guidance will be released on their social channels.
Craigie’s Farm Shop and Cafe
The South Queensferry farm shop will close its pumpkin patch from 1pm on Sunday until Monday morning as they weather the storm.
Taking to Facebook, Craigie’s said anyone with a booking for those days has already been contacted and will be able to reschedule their booking through their website and email for a day of their choice.
They said: “We really appreciate everyone’s patience and support.
“If you are here though today and tomorrow morning put your jacket on, get some nice sturdy wellies, waterproof boots on and just enjoy yourself.”
Vogrie Pumpkin Forest
The Pumpkin Forest team at Vogrie Country Park in Midlothian have announced they will close for the entirety of Saturday and Sunday over safety concerns.
Ticket holders for the weekend will receive an automatic refund.
The team said: “After careful consultation with Midlothian Council and all relevant parties, we have taken the decision to close on Saturday & Sunday this weekend.
“This decision has not been taken lightly, but the safety and security of our guests & staff is of paramount importance. The park will also be closed to the public for both days.”
Guests with tickets for tonight’s woodland light trail are being given refunds if they no longer want to visit after concerns emerged on social media.
One commenter said: “Consultations and discussions need to be revisited for this evening too! The weather is horrendous”
Another added: “It is an Amber weather warning, it’s hardly going to be enjoyable walking around a likely flooded and slippery woodland area.”
Balgone Estate
The estate will close its pumpkin patch on Sunday but will remain open on Saturday.
Anybody with a Sunday ticket is allowed to reschedule their visit to next weekend.
Posting to Facebook, they said there is no shortage of pumpkins but warn that they might turn people away if they are wearing unsuitable clothing.
They added: “If you’re feeling brave and want to confront the weather you’re more than welcome to come to the patch.
“We look forward to having you guys and please dress appropriately.”
Conifer Adventure Park
Saturday’s Terror at Conifox Scream Park has been postponed due to the high winds and safety risks, with the park’s Halloween Pumpkin Festival postponed for both Saturday and Sunday.
The Adventure Park in Kirkliston said: “We are incredibly disappointed, but the safety of our visitors, performers and staff must always come first.
“All affected bookings have been allocated new dates, and emails confirming the arrangements will be with you by Sunday evening at the latest.
“We kindly ask that you bear with us while our team works through thousands of enquiries.”
Those unable to attend the rescheduled date will be offered a different date or granted a refund.
Event Cancellations
A number of planned events across the city have also been cancelled or moved following the weather warning.
The Caledonian Thebans RFC’s tournament of 500 LGBTQ+ rugby players was supposed to be held in Inverleith Park on Saturday has been called off after the pitches were deemed “unplayable”.
Edinburgh’s inclusive rugby team said: “For now, our focus is on making sure teams can fully enjoy their stay in Edinburgh.”
It confirmed that its planned afterparty will still go ahead as planned.
Elsewhere, weekend-long celebrations for the Hindu festival Dusherra originally planned for Calton Hill have been moved to Edinburgh College in Granton.
We will share more updates as we get them.