FERGUS EWING MSP CABINET SECRETARY FOR RURAL ECONOMY AND TOURISM
Cautious return to normality..
I
’m hoping that by the time you read this, Spring will actually have arrived and we will be getting to enjoy the lockdown restrictions easing. Opening up our communities and local economy really matters to areas like Moray, particularly for everyone in the hospitality and tourism trade. We’ve done all we can to support people through these hard times, with specific grants for important sectors like self-catering and weddings, as well as general support through the hardship funds administered by local authorities. We are also providing ongoing support through 100% non-domestic rates relief and have also provided restart grants to help businesses prepare for re-opening.
There is no doubt we are ready for it. It has been a long hard year, and this last lockdown in particular has been really tough on everyone. We all want this opening up to stick, so it is important that we all still keep following the rules on social distancing, face coverings, hygiene and ventilation. The vaccine too will keep more of us safe, so make sure and keep your appointment. We all need to behave cautiously and responsibly. Testing becoming more widely available is another tool to try and keep the rate of infections low and help us manage our daily lives. And if we can just get the weather, then we can look forward with hope to a brighter few months ahead!
26th April sees a real shift. Allowing travel from the rest of the UK will help tourist businesses in particular, with accommodation opening up, as well as hospitality venues, restaurants, cafes and pubs until 8pm without alcohol, while post wedding and funeral events can take place without alcohol for up to 50 people. These businesses are crucial contributors to the wider economy in their communities, supporting countless supply chain businesses, especially in food and drink. Their re-opening is good news for everyone. With schools going back full time throughout April, and more of us able to meet up outside from 16 April and travel within Scotland for exercise and recreation, and shops, gyms, libraries and even driving lessons re-starting from 26 April, it really will feel like we are returning more to normality.
Lifestyle MAG
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