Coronavirus in Scotland: Travel restrictions ease today, what are the new rules, where can you travel, how many of your friends and family can you meet

As restrictions ease in Scotland, here’s everything you need to know about the lockdown easing.

What are the new rules?

From today - Friday April 16 - Scots will be allowed to travel across Scotland for the purpose of outdoor socialising, recreation or informal exercise.

More people from more households can also meet outdoors as of Friday.

Due to the easing, families and friends are set for emotional reunions across the country.

The Scottish Government’s routemap out of lockdown had originally stated this easing would be put in place on April 26.

However on April 13, the First Minister announced that the change was made for the benefits of our mental health and general well-being.

More significant easing is expected on April 26 with shops, gyms, beer gardens and other services expected to re-open.

The Cairngorms National Park is expected to see an increase in visitors as travel restrictions ease.

Where can you travel?

Scots will be able to travel into any council area in Scotland.

Until recently, we were not allowed to cross another local authority boundary unless it was for an essential journey.

However, now, we can meet with family and friends in different council areas in Scotland.

How many of your friends and family can you meet?

Previously, the rule was that only four adults from a maximum of two households were allowed to meet up outdoors.

However now, six people from up six households can get together - still outdoors only.

Travel and socialising restrictions in place despite the easing

Whilst we can go across the country to see family and friends, the Scottish Government has urged that we should ‘keep the heid.’

Travelling across the country is still only allowed for the day.

People are not allowed to stay overnight in other council areas which includes camping or staying in a caravan.

Although more people can meet up, they can only meet outdoors.

Unless there are no other practical alternatives, the Scottish Government is also urging people to stay local for shopping.

The First Minister has also urged people to have a ‘Plan B’ so that if places are busy, they can try out an alternative plan.

Beauty spots across Scotland are expected to see a great increase in people coming to visit.

Rangers in the Cairngorms National Park have been increased to deal with more visitors and to combat issues such as ‘dirty camping.’

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