First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced today (13/04/21) that from Friday 16th April, there will be an easing of some Covid-19 related restrictions in Scotland.

From 16/04/21, travel will be permitted anywhere in Scotland to meet friends or family outdoors, for recreation or exercise. Scots will also be able to meet up to 6 people from 6 households outdoors, increased from 4 people from 4 households.

From April 26th, further easing of restrictions for hospitality and retail are set to follow.

Commenting, Alyn Smith MP said:

‘This is welcome news and will mean that people across the country will now have the ability to meet each other and spend some safe, socially distanced time together outside. Lockdown has been hard for people and I know many will use this opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

‘If we keep going in this positive direction, we are on course for a lifting of further restrictions by the end of the month.

‘I have expressed concern over the past couple of weeks at a rise in the number of people again visiting some of rural Stirling’s prime beauty spots – such as Ben A’an and the Devil’s Pulpit. I know that the police and the council have been assessing what options are available to them to keep people safe. 

‘However, the First Minister has been clear, social distancing guidelines still apply. If a place is busy, go elsewhere. Don’t risk going out for the day and bringing Covid back to your home and sharing it with others.’

Notes:

Further information is available on the Scottish Government website: https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-timetable-for-easing-restrictions/pages/timetable/