‘Scottish Government must help isolated Spain holidaymakers’

The Scottish Government has been urged to set up a fund to help holidaymakers returning from Spain who are required to quarantine.

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said “practical solutions” are needed to help people who could face a “significant loss of income” as a result of having to self-isolate for two weeks.

He urged ministers to set up a hotline for those affected by the quarantine decision – announced just days after the Scottish Government said it would allow people to travel to Spain without any restrictions.

That decision was announced last Monday but on Saturday evening the Scottish Government, together with other UK administrations, said a recent spike in Covid-19 cases in Spain meant visitors to the country need to isolate for two weeks on their return.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf conceded there are “lessons to learn” after the decision to remove Spain from the list of countries exempt from quarantine.

He said the change was made after “deeply alarming” data emerged showing cases almost doubling in Spain.

Mr Rennie said the Scottish Government’s decision-making has been “shambolic and avoidable”, adding there was evidence of a surge in cases in Spain before the decision to lift quarantine was made.

“We need to support those who jumped at the chance to go to Spain only to find themselves facing a fortnight off work in isolation,” he said.

“For many, this could mean a significant loss of income.

“The Scottish Government need to take responsibility for their error and ensure that people are supported.”