Scots holidaymakers to stick by 14-day quarantine despite UK relaxation

Scots will not yet benefit from an easing in the ban on international travel that was introduced at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. PIC: TSPL.

It follows the UK Government's announcement that those returning home from certain countries will not have to quarantine for 14 days after their return.

Changes to the blanket ban on holiday travel were announced by the UK Government on Friday.

While the full list of countries involved is still being confirmed, it is expected that France, Greece, Spain and possibly Portugal will be included with the new rules due to come into effect on July 6.

However, the Scottish Government said that changes to the quarantine rules do not apply to those north of the border as yet given the policy is a public health matter.

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A Scottish Government spokesman said: "Scottish ministers have long argued for UK-wide public health measures relating to international travel as part of the wider response to this pandemic - to protect people and ensure that we limit the introduction of new chains of transmission of the virus when our own infection rates are falling.

"This is a matter for Scottish ministers - who have not yet taken a final decision.

"The Scottish Government had anticipated a four-nations ministerial discussion before the UK Government's announcement, and it is disappointing that this has not yet taken place."

The Scottish Conservatives said ministers north of the border should decide quickly.

Party leader Jackson Carlaw said: "It's good news that people in Scotland can now look forward to a summer holiday in Europe.

"But they now need an urgent decision from the Scottish Government on whether they will be able to travel from Scottish airports, or have to fly from airports in other parts of the UK.

"Decisions on quarantine need to be taken without unnecessary delay by the Scottish Government so people can plan their hard-earned holidays."

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