COVID-19

The majority of Scotland’s tourism sector can begin to restart from today (Wednesday 15 July) after lockdown restrictions were further eased.

As part of Phase 3 of Scotland’s lockdown route map, guests can now stay in hotels and on campsites and visit tourist attractions across the country as transmission of coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to be suppressed.

Cafes, restaurants and bars can also begin accepting patrons indoors from today.

Research published today by Scottish Rural Action highlights that ‘thinking, resourcing and acting local’ is the key to enabling recovery from the impacts of Covid-19 in rural communities across Scotland. The research provides backing for the regional approach to economic recovery recommended by the Higgins Report, published last month.
 

Coastal communities across Scotland will receive £9.7 million of revenue generated by the Scottish Crown Estate’s marine assets, providing vital support for responding to the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The funding, which comes from the second year of devolved management of Crown Estate assets is up by more than £2m on last year and is more than double the funding available under the old Coastal Communities Fund.

The safe re-opening of small and micro businesses following the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is being supported by new guidance.

The publication provides practical advice for employers on the steps they need to take before and after re-opening.

Key measures include:

Public health measure lifted for some overseas travellers arriving in Scotland.

Passengers arriving in Scotland from 57 overseas destinations that have similar or lower levels of coronavirus (COVID-19) infection than Scotland will no longer need to quarantine. Travellers from the 14 UK overseas territories will also be exempt.

Test and Protect effective in containing virus.

Local restrictions in Dumfries and Galloway have been lifted following a cluster of coronavirus (COVID-19) cases last week in the Annan and Gretna areas.

The outbreak is now contained so travel is no longer restricted to five miles and care home visiting is now permitted.

A targeted £10 million fund to support Scotland’s performing arts venues has been announced by Culture Secretary Fiona Hyslop.

Created as part of the Scottish Government’s £185m Business Support Fund, the Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund will help venues who cannot yet reopen to their audiences due to the ongoing impact of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The fund will be run by Creative Scotland, who will publish full details shortly.

Helping businesses adapt to physical distancing measures.

Pubs, restaurants and cafes in Scotland will have greater flexibility to make use of outside spaces, as outdoor hospitality resumes from 6 July.

The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) will take over the running of Scotland’s coronavirus (COVID-19) mobile testing units from the start of September.

Currently operated by HM Armed Forces, the mobile units will pass to SAS, where they will continue to support the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the management of localised outbreaks.  

Tourism to benefit from further Phase 2 changes.

The tourism sector is to benefit from the further lifting of restrictions under Phase 2 of Scotland’s route map out of lockdown.