Level 1 status welcomed but business leaders and MSPs look forward to less restrictions
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Highland MSPs and business leaders have been responding to the region being placed at Level 1 – the second lowest level of restrictions – on the Scottish Government’s new Covid protection system.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the development which will take effect from 6am on Monday but there was a sting in the tail when she also revealed the ban on home visits would be retained.
Ms Sturgeon admitted: “I am conscious that in our more rural and island communities that restriction can cause particular difficulties so we will review the necessity of it in level one areas at the November 10 review.”
Scottish Conservative Highlands and Islands MSP Edward Mountain greeted the changes as a positive development.
“This is a step in the right direction and will be a big boost for our Highland pubs and restaurants, which were hit hard by the previous set of restrictions,” he said.
“I have called for a more targeted and scientifically justified local response to the pandemic, so I therefore welcome today’s announcement.
“Covid-19 remains a threat and the Tier 1 measures, although necessary, will still disrupt businesses and family life. If you require my help during this challenging time, then please contact me.”
Fellow list MSP for the north, Labour’s David Stewart, suggested that the level for the Highlands could be even lower than Tier 1.
He said “Generally a lot of evidence has suggested that we should be in Tier O which would take us back to a place as near to normal as possible.
“I have been following what Jason Leitch, the National Clinical Director, has been saying and obviously the Highlands has a low incidence of the coronavirus albeit there are concerns surrounding care homes.
“Level 1 does allow some businesses to operate more normally as restrictions on the leisure industry and restaurants have impacted deeply but this is a step in the right direction.
“What we mustn’t do however is take our foot off the pedal and think it’s over for us in the Highlands as we still need to be stringent in following guidelines, washing our hands, wearing face coverings and complying with social distancing measures.”
Greens MSP John Finnie called for respect to be shown to the restrictions on travel between different areas.
“I’m pleased to see the Highlands placed at Level 1,” he said.
“The relatively low prevalence of the virus here is a reflection of the community mindedness of the overwhelming majority of Highlanders who have stuck with the rules throughout these difficult months and helped suppress the virus.
“It’s important now that everyone in the Highlands continues to adhere to the guidance and that everyone respect the travel restrictions and do not risk spreading the virus by travelling to or from higher level areas.”
David Richardson, the Federation of Small Business' Highlands and Islands development manager, welcomed the status as well but took the opportunity to underline how travel restrictions will impact tourism.
He said: “While the Scottish Government’s response to the latest developments looks broadly proportionate, and the placing of the Highlands and Islands and Moray in Level 1 is very welcome, this is only part of the picture.
“Tourism supports, directly or indirectly, more of our businesses and communities than any other industry, and consumers from what has perhaps been our single biggest market this year, the Central Belt, have now been told not to travel here.
"For many this will mark the end of the 2020 season.
“We cannot afford to let large numbers of already weakened Badenoch and Strathspey businesses go under, so FSB Scotland is asking the Scottish Government to explore alternatives to travel restrictions at the earliest opportunity, and to provide real help for businesses hit by today’s announcement.
"Above all, we need sufficient financial support to keep the many key groups, like those in tourism not covered by the hospitality hardship fund, and businesses without premises, alive, and we need to see razor-sharp communications from government at all levels to keep everyone on-side and avoid confusion.”
