Scotland enters fresh lockdown

Scots are being asked to stay at home as part of a new national lockdown to battle the on-going spread of Covid-19.

Scots are being asked to stay at home as part of a new national lockdown to battle the on-going spread of Covid-19 and its new strain.

New laws, outlined by first minister Nicola Sturgeon, will require people to stay at home and work from home where possible.

The rules, which come into play from midnight (4 January), will apply across the Scottish mainland until at least the end of January. Island areas will remain at level three.

Following the news, UKHospitality Scotland has reiterated its call for financial support to ensure that businesses survive.

“The fact that we are going into another lockdown is a clear sign that we are still a long way from normality," says UKHospitality Scotland executive director Willie Macleod. "That means hospitality businesses are a long way from being able to begin to trade their way back to safety and keep jobs alive.

“UKHospitality acknowledges the growing incidence of virus transmission attributable to the 'new' virus strain and the need for measures to counter this until vaccinations get moving. In which case, it is crucial that the lockdown comes with the necessary financial support to keep businesses alive and jobs secure.”