April 2021 - Page 6 of 8

Strategic Framework: Levels Protection

Posted on April 13, 2021April 20, 2021 by Fiona Campbell

Today the First Minister gave an update on changes to COVID-19 restrictions. She said, while the data will continue to be monitored, there is now extreme confidence that parts of the country currently in level 4 will move to level 3 on 26 April. Island communities currently in level 3 will likely remain at that level for three further weeks.

The timetable for easing restrictions sets out how and when we plan to lift the current coronavirus restrictions.

Answers to other Frequently Asked Questions.

Indicatively, from 26 April – guests from one household can stay overnight in self catering.

Indicatively, from 17 May – four guests from two households can stay overnight in self-catering (in line with ‘up to four people from two households can socialise indoors in a private home or public space’).

This is either 4/2 or a single household. If you have a large household (more than 4 people) you can’t add anybody else. The only exception would be if they are in an existing support bubble with the main household.

“If circumstances permit, I can confirm that it would be the intention to move to level 1 on Monday 7 June, before then I hope moving to level 0 in late June – and then as we go into the deeper part of the summer, to something much more like normality, over the course of July.” First Minister

Indicatively, from 7th June – Up to 6 people from up to 3 households can stay in self-catering accommodation.

Indicatively, level zero by late June – Maximum of 8 people from up to 4 households.

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers (ASSC) Chief Executive, Fiona Campbell, said:

“While the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers welcomes today’s announcement of a relaxation of travel restrictions across Scotland there still remains an urgent need for further clarity as to when larger self-catering properties can welcome multiple households which must be addressed.

“The news that our members who operate their properties in Scotland’s island communities will not face the additional barrier of travel restrictions and will be treated the same way as those living in the rest of the country is also most welcome.

“As restrictions are lifted, our guests and visitors can be confident in the knowledge that self-catering is safe, hygienic, and is a minimal risk environment in which they can enjoy a well-deserved break.”

STA Press Release re: First Minister’s Statement: 13 April

Posted on April 13, 2021April 13, 2021 by Melanie Allen

The STA have today issued a press statement: Scotland’s tourism industry responds to First Minister announcement on lockdown easing

Marc Crothall, Chief Executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance said:

The First Minister’s announcement of a significant easing of restrictions in terms of the reopening of our tourism industry across all parts of Scotland on 26^th April will I know come as a huge relief and be welcomed by thousands of businesses across the sector.

This is positive and critically important news, particularly for our island communities who have had an extremely anxious and concerning period awaiting news on whether or not their easing of restrictions would be aligned with the mainland. As the First Minister was making the announcement the STA received a flood of emails from tourism businesses in our island communities conveying relief that they can now plan and accept bookings from 26^th April.

Gaining clarity around the lifting of restrictions in the islands and the wider issue of travel to and within Scotland has largely been the focus on the STA over the past few weeks; today’s announcement will start to lift a heavy weight from the shoulders of a sector which has been operating in crisis mode for the best part of a year and until recently, has been without a clear indication of when businesses can welcome guests from across Scotland and importantly, the UK.

Having the surety of permitted travel across Scotland and the UK will provide thousands of accommodation providers with the ability to offer assurance to guests who have already booked and those looking to holiday in Scotland over the coming weeks and months. Our tourism sector is dependent on 70% of the domestic market and today’s news will come as a massive boost for many businesses who rely so much on attracting visitors from all parts of the UK.

While many hospitality businesses will not be able to operate as they would wish within the coming weeks in relation to guidance around social distancing and alcohol, I know that the First Minister’s announcement will bolster many hundreds of accommodation providers, other hospitality businesses and their suppliers who have been so keen to get going and welcome guests back after so many months of being closed.

The STA looks forward to our continued discussions with the Scottish Government and officials over the coming weeks to obtain further clarity around guidance to enable our industry to plan and open effectively and safely as we move to what we hope will be our recovery period.

Read in full Here

The First Minister’s Statement – Read in full here

PLEASE NOTE: We will publish more details on the Road Map and Guidance from Scottish Government once announced.

Cleaning Protocols and Sectoral Guidance for Self-Catering Properties in the Context of Covid-19

Posted on April 8, 2021April 8, 2021 by Melanie Allen

In order to assist with preparations to re-open, The ASSC is delighted to have published an updated version of the Cleaning Protocols for Self-Catering Properties in the Context of Covid-19.

This guidance has been developed in partnership by the Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers, the Professional Association of Self-Caterers, and the Wales Tourism Alliance. It is supported by the Tourism Alliance, the Scottish Tourism Alliance and the Wales Association of Self-Catering Operators.

Read and download the latest Cleaning Protocols Here