Covid in Scotland: Businesses in level one areas have 'fighting chance'
- Published
The Highlands, islands and Moray are to move to level one next week
Businesses in the Highlands, islands and Moray now have a "decent fighting chance" of survival after coronavirus restrictions were relaxed, according to local leaders.
The regions - including the Northern and Western Isles - will be in level one of Scotland's five-level system.
It means pubs and restaurants will be able to remain open until 22:30.
But people are being urged to heed advice not to travel between areas with the highest and lowest restrictions.
Announcing the levels for each local authority, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon asked people to make only essential journeys between level three and level one and two areas.
She warned the whole of the country could return to a situation close to a full lockdown if people did not follow the travel rules.
Her plea was echoed by Moray Council leader Graham Leadbetter, who said it was important to reinforce the travel message to drive Covid infections down.
Mr Leadbetter said Moray being in level one would offer a lifeline to businesses in the region.
"It will make a huge difference for our businesses and for people's jobs," he added. "Being at level one gives them a decent fighting chance of getting through this."
While in-house social gatherings have not yet been permitted under level one, Mr Leadbetter said he hoped that would be allowed in the near future.
'Urban-centric view'
Shetland Islands Council's political leader said remote and rural island communities had effectively been place in level two
Roddie Mackay, leader of Western Isles local authority Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, said households not being able to meet in a home was "slightly disappointing".
He added: "However, it is encouraging that we can, once again, support the hospitality sector together with a maximum of six people from a maximum of two households whilst, of course, following social distancing and good hygiene practices.
"We have all worked together to suppress the spread of the virus here in the Western Isles and I must reiterate that it is more important than ever that we look out for each other."
But Steven Coutts, leader of Shetland Islands Council, expressed disappointment the current guidance discouraged small household gatherings.
He said: "A very urban-centric view sees café and pubs being open to provide socialising opportunities. This is welcome for the Shetland hospitality trade and those in our community with disposable income.
"But that provides little comfort to our remote and rural island communities who are cut off digitally and physically.
"A community that suffers from a very high cost of living, a community that is now going into winter."
Mr Coutts, who serves as politically independent on the council, said remote and rural Shetland had "effectively been placed" in level two. He claimed all indicators being used by the Scottish government should place the islands in level zero.
'Protection main priority'
On Wednesday, Highland councillors voted 46-11 in favour of supporting the introduction of level one for the region, but without a restriction on in-house socialising for six people from two households.
Councillors also considered the question of travel restrictions from areas in level three or above. Thirty said they supported the Scottish government's travel guidance and 28 did not.
Convener Bill Lobban said: "The protection of the people of the Highlands must be our main priority and everyone wants a clear-and-simple-to-understand message on what current restrictions are and why they are in place."
The owner of Number 27 in Inverness plans to reopen next week
Businesses in the region have welcomed next week's move to level one.
In Ullapool, Jock Urquhart, of hotel and restaurant the Ceilidh Place, said it offered an opportunity to keep "moving forward".
He said: "It's the chance of being able to go into the winter season, traditionally a quieter time, with some hope of being able to attract people from the wider Highland region."
Mark Wilson who shut his Inverness restaurant and bar, Number 27, earlier this month due to restrictions on serving alcohol indoors and opening times, said it would mean he could reopen again.
He said the past three weeks of closure had been tough and he was still awaiting news if an application to Highland Council's hardship fund had been successful.
'Smiley faces'
But Mr Wilson remained positive about next week.
He said: "We do plan on running some discounts across the next few weeks to pass on the VAT reduction to our customers and are excited to hopefully see some smiley faces and to hear people laugh again.
"My hope for the business over the next few weeks is really just to be busy enough to make sure all our staff can work 20% of their typical hours so they are eligible for the new government job support scheme."
Norman MacDonald, owner of Café 1 in Inverness, said the more relaxed restrictions under level one would give a boost to his business.
He said: "Being able to have a full dinner service will make a massive difference.
"It means a return of 70% of our business and I am able to take staff that are on furlough back into work."
Mr MacDonald added: "I am hoping there are going to be no more bumps in the road."
- Published29 October 2020
- Published10 November 2020
