Dumfries House have announced that parts of the estate will be open for the public again from next Monday.

The country house near Cumnock has been shut since the imposition of lockdown measures. 

But from next Monday the public will be able to enjoy walks around the arboretum and woodland walks once again.

A spokesperson for Dumfries House said: "We are delighted to announce that parts of Dumfries House estate will reopen to visitors on Monday, July 6. Access will be available by foot, by bicycle, and mobility transport via paths and roads where it is safe to pass. Access by car will be via the entrance on the A70.

"The main car park will be subject to control by Dumfries House supervisors, with the number of spaces capped and parking subject to social distancing requirements.

"Seating alongside paths is available for use but, as with any such facility in a public space, is to be used at visitors’ discretion and will not be subject to regular cleaning."

The Queen Elizabeth Walled Garden will not be available for public use immediately, with the estate saying it "will reopen in the coming weeks and be subject to a one-way walking system due to narrower paths making distancing more difficult than elsewhere."

Other parts of the Dumfries House complex to remain shut are the maze, adventure playground, and engineering playground.

The Coach House Café, visitor centre, Woodlands Restaurant, and Dumfries House Lodge will also remain closed for the foreseeable future.

There is good news regarding the public toilets though, Dumfries House have said that they will be opening two toilets within the Visitor Centre, which will be cleaned by Dumfries House staff after every use.

The public have been asked to respect government guidance on physical distancing whilst using the grounds, with the estate saying: "We would politely ask that visitors respect distancing guidelines while also adhering to advice conveyed on signs. Pets must be kept on leads."

There will be no food or drink sold on the estate, but visitors have been told that they are "welcome to bring picnics to areas unlikely to inhibit others."