The conservation charity is keeping parks and gardens open.
The National Trust for Scotland (NTS) is suspending all events and restricting openings amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.
From Friday 20 March, all of the Trust’s gated properties – historic buildings, visitor centres, shops and toilets – will be closed, while events such as weddings and some holiday lets will be suspended “subject to ongoing review”.
Parks and gardens operated by the Trust will remain open, although events including Easter activities have been cancelled.
The conservation charity said the decision was “not an easy one” but necessary to protect visitors and staff from the virus.
Full refunds will be offered to anyone who bought tickets for events or made commercial bookings, although the charity warned these may take some time to process due to demand and staff dispersal.
Simon Skinner, NTS chief executive, said: “Although we have been closely following Scottish Government and NHS Scotland advice to ensure the safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff, as an independent charity we felt we had to go further in order to protect our people and the public.
“We sincerely regret the disappointment our decision will cause, particularly given the popularity of our Mother's Day events and Cadbury Easter Egg Trails. We know that this will be a big let-down for the many people who were looking forward to celebrating the arrival of spring at our properties after a long, hard winter - however, public safety must come first.
“In order to maintain a public service in this difficult time we will be keeping our accessible gardens, country parks and gardens open free of charge, offering a green, clean and fresh respite to enable visitors to escape isolation in a safe environment where ‘social distancing’ is easy to maintain. This includes properties like Culzean Country Park and the landscapes and gardens surrounding Brodie and Brodick Castles and Newhailes.”
The charity said it will carry on with planned investment projects at Gladstone’s Land in Edinburgh, Newhailes near Musselburgh and the House of Dun in Angus, as well as footpath repairs and other landscape management designed to ensure public access and protect habitats.
Mr Skinner added: “While the public will desperately need the relief our properties can provide, we need them more than ever to play a part in protecting Scotland’s heritage now, and for the long-term: our work to protect Scotland’s national and natural treasures does not stop.”
