First Minister prolongs the Covid-19 household visit ban in the Highlands despite low infection levels and mounting concern about mental health impact
Highland MSP Edward Mountain has accused the First Minister of “changing the rules” on Covid restrictions as she goes along after home visits continue to be banned in the region.
Nicola Sturgeon today confirmed that the mainland Highlands as well Moray will remain under Tier One restrictions along with the Shetland Isles, Orkney Isles and the Western Isles.
But while indoor socialising continues to be permitted in Shetland, Orkney and the Western Isles, it is only to be extended to other inhabited islands.
Members of one household are still officially banned from visiting another home in the Highlands including Skye – due to the road bridge to the mainland – as well as Moray, despite both regions having the same low infection rates.
Yesterday, Highland Council leader Margaret Davidson issued a call that limited numbers of locals be allowed to visit each other’s homes making a plea to consider this central part of what she called the Highland way of life.
Mr Mountain said: “I asked the First Minister last week if Highlanders would be permitted to have household gatherings (of up to two families and with a maximum of six 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 two 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.”
Councillor Davidson said: "The number of positive cases is low and we have been managing any outbreaks very successfully with good test and trace and very good compliance by Highland citizens with protection measures."
“There are many, many places in the Highlands which are just as isolated as on the islands. In many communities it is simply not possible for people to meet in a hospitality setting and this also has a cost for those who are on low incomes or have been financially affected by the pandemic.
"Household visits are part of Highland way of life and are beneficial for all of our wellbeing. We continue to lobby for this change and I hope that the First Minister will take account of the special circumstances in Highland in her decisions tomorrow.”
