The First Minister today confirmed that the Highlands and Moray will remain under Tier One restrictions along with the Shetland Isles, Orkney Isles and the Western Isles.
Whilst indoor socialising continues to be permitted in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles and it is only to be extended to other inhabited Islands (but not Skye due to the road bridge) remaining banned in the Highlands and Moray, despite both regions having the same low infection rates.
Highlands and Islands MSP, Edward Mountain MSP commented:
“I asked the First Minister last week if Highlanders would be permitted to have household gatherings (of up to 2 families and with a maximum of 6 people) if the region continues to have low infection rates. The First Minister said she would consider it, but she obviously hasn’t.”
“Highlanders have obeyed the rules and done everything that is asked of them to help keep the infection rates low and protect our NHS.”
“When the First Minister initially announced the five-tier system, home visits were allowed in Tier One. However, the First Minister is changing the rules as she goes along - this isn’t good enough.”
“I believe the Highlands and Moray should not be treated differently from Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles given all regions are in tier one. Remote areas of the Highlands and the Islands suffer from the same lack of meeting places and increased levels of isolation. This needs to be taken into account.”
In the First Minister’s statement to the Scottish Parliament, she said:
“I can confirm that Highland, Moray, Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles, will all remain in level 1 – and of course from Friday, the Borders and Dumfries & Galloway will also go to that level.”
“From Friday, there will also be a change to the rules for household gatherings on some islands in the level 1 local authorities. “
“At the moment, the island local authorities – Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles – are the only places in Scotland where it is permitted for 6 people from a maximum of 2 households to meet in houses.
“From 6pm on Friday, that will be extended to other inhabited islands in the level 1 local authorities – with the exception of islands, like Skye, that are connected to mainland Scotland by road.”
“However, those of us living in the rest of the country should continue to stay out of each other’s houses.”
