Businesses respond to announcement with plea for more clarity

Businesses have said more clarity is needed about the easing of restrictions after the first minister’s lockdown announcement.

While business groups are frustrated with the lack of detail in the plans, some have acknowledged the need for a cautious approach.

Dr Liz Cameron, the chief executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “While it does not go as far or as fast as the prime minister did towards clarifying when we can get back to business, we will continue to robustly represent business views to Scottish Government to help inform this plan in the coming days and weeks.”

She added: “More detail on the roadmap is essential as it will enable both consumers as well as businesses to plan for reopening, and we need the Scottish Government to stick to its guns on these dates as much as is possible.”

Scottish Tourism Alliance chief executive Marc Crothall said: “Today’s provisional timescale of the gradual reopening of the economy as set out by the first minister today is welcome; however, I know from the many conversations I’ve had with tourism businesses this week, and particularly within the last 24 hours, that they were hoping for more detail around the pathway to reopening.

“The detail announced today does not go far enough.”

Mr Crothall said there has already been substantial interest in Scottish tourism since the Westminster roadmap announcement on Monday, and pushed for a Scottish Government-backed marketing campaign to attract visitors in the late summer and autumn.

Dr Liz Cameron wants more detail added to roadmap.