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Highland Council's leader Cllr Margaret Davidson calls upon the Scottish Government to revise its household meeting restrictions in the region, warning that Covid-19 is leading to greater isolation for residents in the area


By Philip Murray

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Cllr Margaret Davidson. Picture: Callum Mackay. Image No. 043189.
Cllr Margaret Davidson. Picture: Callum Mackay. Image No. 043189.

RESTRICTIONS on household visits need to be reconsidered by the Scottish Government, the leader of Highland Council has argued.

Cllr Margaret Davidson said that continued coronavirus restrictions on people visiting other homes are exacerbating the isolation of people in Highland communities.

At the moment, with the exception of people in Orkney, Shetland or the Outer Hebrides. no-one living in a level one area is allowed to meet someone from another household in their homes. They can only meet another household outdoors, or indoors in a public place such as a bar, café or restaurant.

Mrs Davidson said: “I understand that the First Minister is taking a cautious approach in deciding the changes to be made to levels tomorrow. However, I would continue to urge her to permit household visits in the Highlands as soon as possible.

"The number of positive cases is low and we have been managing any outbreaks very successfully with good test and trace and very good compliance by Highland citizens with protection measures."

She added: “There are many, many places in the Highlands which are just as isolated as on the islands. In many communities it is simply not possible for people to meet in a hospitality setting and this also has a cost for those who are on low incomes or have been financially affected by the pandemic.

"Household visits are part of Highland way of life and are beneficial for all of our wellbeing. We continue to lobby for this change and I hope that the First Minister will take account of the special circumstances in Highland in her decisions tomorrow.”


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