Highland Council leader disappointed that home visit ban to remain in place
Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson has expressed her disappointment that home visits will remain out of bounds in the region.
The region is to remain in Level One.
Household visits for six people from two households will be extended to some inhabited islands within the Highlands but not Skye or other islands linked to the mainland.
The changes will come into effect from Friday.
Councillor Margaret Davidson said: “While this may be welcome news for a small number of households in island communities, the relaxation will only benefit some 300 people or less than two per cent of people in the Highlands.
"The other 98.5 per cent of the Highland population will have to continue to meet in hospitality, where this is available or suffer the isolation which these restrictions bring.”
She continued : “I understand that the First Minister is taking a cautious approach, however, the number of positive cases remains well under 20 per 100,000.
"The First Minister refers to balancing the four harms of Covid – Highland is currently victim to the harms to the economy and to individuals of isolation and mental ill health during the coldest and darkest days of winter.
"I do not think that our unique rural context is fully understood.
"Many places in the Highlands are just as isolated as on any remote island.
"In many communities it is simply not possible for people to meet in a hospitality setting and where this is possible, it carries 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 not just beneficial for our wellbeing, but essential to our wellbeing.
"We will continue to lobby for this change and reverse the harms imposed by these continued levels of restrictions.”
However, local member and council convener Bill Lobban said: "Personally speaking I'm desperate to see my own family but I'd hate to throw away all the pain we have endured this year by easing restrictions too soon.
"A vaccine is on the way so lets just hang on a little longer."
And fellow local Highland councillor Muriel Cockburn agreed: "I appreciate and understand the impact on loved ones in care homes and I know that despite technology contact with loved ones is important to mental health and well being.
"However, until it is safe for both staff and residents we must adhere to the science and the guidelines.
"We are only to aware what is happening in neighbouring authorities."
The total population of the Highland Council islands is 10,349 of which 10,008 live on the Isle of Skye.
Apart from Skye the most populous islands are Raasay (161), Eigg (83), Muck (27), Rum (22) and Canna (12).
