Beauty spot plea after lockdown rule eased
People urged to avoid day trips or travel for exercise
People are being urged not to flock to Stirling’s beauty spots despite lockdown restrictions on daily exercise being eased this week.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon revealed at the weekend that the first part of easing the lockdown is to extend the daily exercise allowance from one hour once per day to more than once a day.
All other restrictions remain in place. Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park Authority chief executive, Gordon Watson, pleaded for people to exercise locally and not to travel for their exercise. He said: “Getting outside into fresh air for exercise has huge benefits for both our physical and mental wellbeing. That’s even more important for people at this difficult time, so we know that the small change to Scottish Government rules to allow people to exercise outside more often close to home will make a big difference to many.
“However, the advice on non-essential travel has not changed and outdoor exercise must continue to only be carried out close to home.
“This means that people should still not be travelling to the National Park unnecessarily for day trips or outdoor activities at this time. Visitor facilities including car parks, toilets and campsites remain closed. This also applies to people considering travelling to Scotland from England who would still need to abide by current Scottish restrictions.
“We know this is difficult and that there is a temptation to venture further as lockdown restrictions change. However we urge everyone to follow the Scottish Government’s guidance to stay at home, stay local for exercise and reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19 to other communities and areas.
“The National Park and all that it has to offer will be waiting to welcome you in safer times.”
Stirling’s MSP and MP also called for people to stay at home.
Stirling SNP MP Alyn Smith says that exercise must still be carried out locally. He said: “The Scottish Government’s advice is consistent and clear: stay at home. This is the only way we are going to stop a resurgence of this virus right now. The progress we’ve made is good news, but it’s fragile and could so easily be overturned as things stand if we do not continue in our efforts.
“The First Minister has announced slight changes to these restrictions to include the ability to exercise outside more than once per day. However, social distancing must apply when doing this, it is not a reason to meet up with friends at the park or to drive to the beach. People should only exercise near their own home so that we can avoid some of the dangerously high numbers of people who have been visiting rural parts of the Stirling area in recent weeks.”
Stirling SNP MSP, Bruce Crawford added: “We have come so far in the effort to overcome the spread of this virus, but we are not there yet. The evidence tells us that infection rates remain high in our communities, which means that we have to stick with the plan for a bit longer to make sure that we are saving lives.
“Nothing about this is easy, I am missing being able to see my grandkids terribly and can’t wait until the day that I can see them again. But these measures are in place, not just to protect you, but to stop you or someone else passing this terrible disease onto someone you are close to as well.
“Right now, we must all stay at home unless we absolutely have to leave for essential food shopping, exercise or healthcare reasons.”
Councillor Neil Benny, leader of the Scottish Conservative group on Stirling Council said: “It would be helpful for the First Minister to be transparent as to why she has chosen to diverge from the UK Government guidance, explain why care home infections are higher and testing levels lower than the rest of the UK and why our construction industry is still completely shut down.
“Being able to get out to exercise more is welcome but people must stay local while doing that. It’s important that our popular visitor spots are not overwhelmed, so people should continue to stay away and we will be happy to welcome them back in the future.”
Councillor Danny Gibson, leader of the Labour group on Stirling Council said: “I know it’s tough and I know it’s tempting to venture further, but beauty spots are kept beautiful by workers who cut the grass, staff the car parks and a whole host of other valuable people who do a remarkable job – they deserve a safe working environment and we have a moral obligation to keep all families safe, not just our own. This is a difficult time for all of us, but right now the advice is stay home, protect the NHS, save lives.”