Travel restrictions lifted

The tourism sector is to benefit from the further lifting of restrictions under Phase 2 of Scotland’s route map out of lockdown.

From today, the five mile travel distance limit for leisure will be lifted. However, the public are encouraged to stay within their local area, where possible. 

Self-contained self-catering holiday accommodation across Scotland will also be able to reopen. The change covers a variety of businesses including caravan and campervan parks, lodges and second homes.

Outdoor hospitality, such as pavement cafes and beer gardens, can re-open from Monday 6 July.

Speaking ahead of a visit to Grantown on Spey Caravan Park, Tourism Secretary Fergus Ewing said:

“The re-opening of self-catering accommodation and the lifting of the five mile restriction for travel is good news for our hard-pressed tourism sector. Being able to enjoy outdoor hospitality from next week will also be a much needed boost for the industry. These announcements don’t mean everything is open again but we are moving in the right direction to get the industry back up and running.

“The progression into Phase 2 of the route map means it is even more important that the public follow all public health measures, including physical distancing and washing or sanitising hands regularly. The onus is on all of us to follow the guidance and ensure the virus continues to be suppressed.

“When travelling, it is essential that plans are made in advance and checks are done on what facilities are open, like public toilets and car parking availability. Please ensure you make use of booking systems where available prior to your journey and avoid busy beaches, parks and forests. If you arrive somewhere and it’s crowded, it is essential that you try and find another place. 

“If all of us take the necessary individual measures to avoid transmission of the virus, I’m confident we can keep progressing through the route map and enjoy more of what of Scotland has to offer.”

Association of Scotland’s Self-Caterers Chief Executive Fiona Campbell said:

 “Self-caterers across Scotland are delighted to be getting back to work providing the kind of exceptional, memory-making holidays that are the hallmark of our sector.

“Individuals and families who run self-catering properties in Scotland can now be reassured that their businesses have solid and dependable futures ahead of them.

“By working with the Scottish Government, our £723million sector has risen to the challenges presented by COVID-19 and is in a healthy position to be a major player in Scottish tourism’s road out of the pandemic and into the future.

Background 

Due to current outbreak, the advice and guidance to people living in the postcode areas of DG16 (Gretna), DG12 (Annan), DG1 and DG2 (Dumfries), DG11 (Lockerbie), DG13 (Langholm) and DG14 (Canonbie) are being asked to travel no more than 5 miles while efforts to manage the outbreak continue. This advice does not apply to essential travel.

Holidaymakers from other areas who have booked self-catering accommodation in these postcodes are still able to take up their reservations but must adhere to these travel restrictions once they arrive. 

Re-opening is conditional on all accommodation types having their own separate entrance, water supply, toilet and waste facilities. Self-catering accommodation that relies on shared facilities such as communal entrances, washing and kitchen areas cannot re-open yet. 

Guidance on travelling within Scotland

Coronavirus (COVID-19): caravan sites and holiday parks

Coronavirus (COVID-19): tourism and hospitality sector guidance

Coronavirus (COVID-19): guidance for retail, tourism and hospitality customers