On the move again as travel ban is lifted ‘Please be careful’says FM amid relaxing of Covid rules
Stirling residents will be able to travel to other local authority areas from Friday due to the latest easing of Covid restrictions.
The measure was announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in her latest update on the state of the virus in Scotland.
It will mean the end of the current ‘stay local’ message, with people allowed to meet others for outdoor socialising, recreation or formal exercise in groups of six adults from a total of six households.
Ms Sturgeon also confirmed that current areas in ‘Level Four’ restrictions - including Stirling - would be moving into Level Three from April 26, giving the green light for a relaxation of further rules from that date.
Non-essential shops will be allowed to re-open their doors and it will also be the big day for hospitality businesses across Stirling - with pubs and restaurants able to serve outdoors with alcohol and limited indoor re-opening for food until 8pm.
The loosening of restrictions comes as the fightback against Covid continues, with another 199 positive cases reported across Scotland on Monday, with three deaths of people confirmed to have the virus confirmed in the past 24 hours.
Ms Sturgeon said the changes on outdoor socialising and travel were brought forward in efforts to boost
Observer deputy editor Donald Morton has passed his 100,000 steps target in a bid to raise money in a special charity event.
And he has said he is deterrmined to keep going after some tragic news last week.
“On Thursday, my eldest niece Rona died suddenly after a heart attack,”said Donald.
“She was only 54 and more like my little sister than my niece.
“It’s been a traumatic time for the family but it’s made me even more determined to continue.”
Donald originally planned to walk 100,000 steps between April 1 and April 21 to collect as much money as he could to purchase a defibrillator for Stirling County Cricket Club and donate towards the British Heart Foundation in memory of his younger brother Willie.
Former Stirling County and Scotland cricketer Willie died suddenly at his home in Edinburgh in July 2019 after mental health and wellbeing during the pandemic.
She said: “We have always said we will keep plans under review and accelerate the lifting of restrictions if possible. Indeed, we are legally obliged not to keep restrictions in place for longer than they are needed.
“The improved data does not allow us to throw caution to the wind - not if we are sensible - but it does give us a bit of headroom. So we have considered whether we can bring forward any changes that will boost wellbeing.
“From the end of this week, you will be able to meet up with family and friends who live in different parts of the country. Many of those reunions will be longawaited, and much anticipated. I hope you enjoy them.
“But please do remember that meetings at this stage must still be outdoors – not inside our homes. Please be careful. And remember that due to physical distancing, public transport capacity will be limited.”
The latest news was backed by Stirling’s MP Alyn Smith, but he urged visitors to some of the area’s popular day-trip suffering a heart attack. He was 58.
The three-week walking challenge of 100,000 steps is due to end on April 21, which would have been Willie’s 60th birthday.
But having passed the figure, he’ll keep going.
The JustGiving page set up on March 27 with an initial target of £800 has now brought in more than £3100.
“I can’t believe how generous people have been,”said Donald. “More than 120 people have made donations and I’ve had another £600 handed into me which still has to be added to the total.
“We have enough for the defibrillator so everything now will go to the British Heart Foundation in memory of Willie and Rona. It’s a great cause.”
Donald’s JustGiving page is www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/donald-morton. locations to behave sensibly following issues with rural parking and ‘dirty camping’ leading to Stirling Council staff facing physical and verbal abuse last week.
Mr Smith said: “Lockdown has been hard for people and I know many will use this opportunity to spend time with friends and family.
“If we keep going in this positive direction, we are on course for a lifting of further restrictions by the end of the month.
“I have expressed concern over the past couple of weeks at a rise in the number of people again visiting some of rural Stirling’s prime beauty spots - such as Ben A’an and the Devil’s Pulpit.
“I know that the police and the council have been assessing what options are available to them to keep people safe.
“However, the First Minister has been clear, social distancing guidelines still apply.
“If a place is busy, go elsewhere. Don’t risk going out for the day and bringing Covid back to your home and sharing it with others.”