First Minister confirms easing of restrictions, including opening of indoor visitor attractions
Added: 22 Apr 2021
The First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, announced yesterday (20th April) that the planned relaxation of current restrictions planned from 26 April will go ahead and Scotland will move to Level 3 on Monday. The First Minister also outlined that Scotland will move to Level 2 on 17 May if cases continue to fall, and the plan is for the country to then enter Level 1 on 7 June.
The statement by MS Sturgeon confirmed that all indoor attractions are allowed to re-open from Monday, as are all public buildings such as galleries, museums and libraries and all shops. Hospitality venues can open until 8pm indoors (without alcohol) and 10pm outdoors where, subject to local licensing alcohol can be consumed. Numbers permitted at weddings, wakes and funerals increase from 20 to 50 people.
The other important development for our sector is that restrictions on travel are also being eased from 26 April to allow travel across Scotland and between Scotland, England and Wales. Restrictions on travel to and from Northern Ireland are also being lifted.
Ms Sturgeon also advised that rapid, lateral flow COVID-19 tests are urged for anyone planning to travel to the islands. International travel remains restrictions for non-essential travel remain in place until 17 May at least.
Tourist accommodation can re-open from Monday, however in self-catering the rules on indoor meetings (up to 6 people from a maximum of two households).
Concluding her statement, the First Minister said: “The changes that will come into force on Monday, building on the changes we have had in the last couple of weeks, have been really hard earned and long awaited. So it is really important that as we enjoy these new restored freedoms we continue to be really careful and take all of the required precautions.
The full statement by the First Minister’s full statement can be read here.