Tougher restrictions looming

The decision to send mainland Scotland into level four lockdown has been described as “the most profound challenge” residents will face since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney was speaking following the announcement that all non-essential shops and hospitality businesses will close for three weeks from Boxing Day.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said the move was essential to contain the spread of a new strain of coronavirus and to prevent the NHS from being overwhelmed in January.

The decision will be reviewed after two weeks on January 9, although level four restrictions will be in place until at least January 16.

Mr Swinney said: “I know how difficult this news will be to process, and I fully understand the levels of sadness and disappointment.

“As a government, we are truly sorry that these measures need to be put in place.

“However, in the face of a dangerous new strain of the virus, it is important that we act now to ensure that the situation we see in other parts of the UK does not arise in Perthshire.”

Among other restrictions, Culture Perth and Kinross – which operates the area’s libraries, museums and public galleries, has said it is temporarily halting public admission to all its archives and venues until further notice.

Online services will continue to operate.

Helen Smout, CEO of Culture Perth and Kinross, said: “It will sadden me to see our doors close and to know it may be some time before they reopen again.

“Moving into Tier 4 is a disappointing yet necessary move in the fight against the coronavirus and we must keep our customers and staff as safe as we can.”

Book loan deadlines have been suspended and there are no fines until the end of March 2021.

• See: www.culturepk.org.uk.