WATCH: Edinburgh Zoo opening end of month

Zoos across Scotland can reopen later this month as part of changes to lockdown, in a move welcomed by a cross-party group of MSPs campaigning to "save" Edinburgh Zoo.

Lib Dem Alex Cole-Hamilton, Tory Ruth Davidson, the Greens' Andy Wightman and Labour's Daniel Johnson staged a rally outside the zoo on Thursday ahead of the announcement of further restrictions easing.

The quartet had issued a joint letter on Wednesday appealing to the Scottish Government to allow the zoo to recommence commercial operations to protect jobs.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, making a statement at Holyrood, confirmed outdoor businesses such as zoos and garden attractions can reopen from June 29 as part of the plan for phase two of leaving lockdown.

She advised people "should not travel more than around five miles to visit them" and "where these places are ticketed, tickets should be bought in advance."

Mr Cole-Hamilton, who represents Edinburgh Western, said: "I'm absolutely delighted to hear that the zoo is being allowed to reopen.

"Over 5,000 people signed our petition to ask it to reopen safely on the socially distanced basis, really glad that Nicola Sturgeon has listened to that.

"Many outdoor attractions are already open say, for example, Jupiter Artland - and they're doing that on a safe socially distanced outdoor basis.

"The zoo spent many weeks adapting the facility to open likewise and they are confident that they can do so on a safe basis."

Ms Davidson, MSP for Edinburgh Central also welcomed the announcement.

She said: "This isn't a political issue, we just want to see the zoo opened.

"We represent all different parts of the city - all of us have constituents that are affected by this, there's 300 jobs here at the zoo.

"I was in there the week before it shut with my little boy, he's only 18 months old and loves looking at the animals.

"I'm so pleased that the Scottish Government has seen sense and allowed Edinburgh Zoo to reopen."

She added: "It is an outdoor attraction, it is safe, but it is under threat if it can't get visitors through the doors, then it could go under."

Lothian MSP Mr Wightman said: "I'm glad that we're in a position in regard to public health that we can do this - and Nicola Sturgeon and the Government have been very clear that we need to be cautious about this.

"I'm glad she's paid attention to the requests that outdoor attractions like this should be open for business."

Edinburgh Southern representative Mr Johnson said: "People like me, growing up in the city, will have very fond memories and the fact that it's under threat is very serious.

"I'm really pleased to the First Minister has listened to the voices of Edinburgh people."

NICOLA STURGEON WAS UNDER PRESSURE TO ALLOW EDINBURGH ZOO TO REOPEN:

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) previously asked the Scottish Government to find a safe way to reopen the venue, claiming the charity's future was at risk.

Similar attractions in England began to open their doors on Monday.

During questions from MSPs, Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government will provide emergency support funding for zoos across the country in a bid to prevent animal welfare issues.

There will be £1.6 million made available for grants based on needs, with a further £1 million available in loans.

PREVIOUS WARNINGS FROM EDINBURGH ZOO:

RZSS chief executive David Field said: "We are delighted to be able to welcome visitors from local areas back to Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park at the end of the month.

"Both our parks have large outdoor spaces and there will be a wide range of safety measures in place to protect our visitors, our staff and our animals.

"While we welcome this fantastic news, it is still an incredibly difficult time because we have had to borrow millions of pounds due to the loss of our visitor income.

"We would like to thank everyone for their amazing support so far and for helping us reopen.

"People can help care for our animals and protect threatened species in Scotland and around the world by donating on our website."