POLITICIANS have hit out after it was revealed that Glasgow tourist attractions will be closed to the public during COP26.

We previously reported that six city venues, including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, will be temporarily shut whilst the climate conference is being held.

Paul Sweeney, MSP, said: “Once again, Glaswegians will be shut out of public venues at the behest of the government”.

He added: “COP26 is increasingly looking like a badly planned vanity project, with key workers announcing strike action while the Scottish Government pontificate about the apparent great work they are doing.

“They commandeer these venues at the drop of a hat but refuse point blank to fund them or maintain them. That means National museums in Edinburgh receive central government funding, while venues of working-class heritage like the People’s Palace are systematically run down.

“If the Government do want COP26 to leave a positive legacy, the minimum they should agree to now is giving the People’s Palace Winter Gardens - derelict since 2018 – the estimated £7m funding needed to restore it.”

Glasgow Life announced that the closures were “to support the delivery of COP26”.

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The charity, that delivers cultural, sporting and learning activities on behalf of Glasgow City Council, stated that People’s Palace will remain closed in the lead up to and during COP26 for essential maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Riverside Museum will be closed between October 23 and November 15, Kelvin Hall will be shut between October 28 and November 1, and Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum will be closed between October 28 and November 14.

Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls and Tennis Centre will be shut between October 31 and November 2, and the Gallery of Modern Art (GoMA) will keep its doors closed between October 31 and November 14.

Councillor Eva Murray said: “I think it’s important that we strive for a balance which ensures the least amount of disruption but also allows more equal access.”

In a statement on its website, Glasgow Life says all closure dates are inclusive and subject to change as requirements around COP26 and the security operation for the event continue to evolve.

It went on to say: “While COP26 will inevitably impact on city operations and business continuity during the event, it is our intention across the wider venues they have reopened to minimise disruption and operate business as usual.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The operation of these venues is a matter for Glasgow Life.”