Disappointment and anger over chief medical officer’s actions

Residents in the East Neuk were left reeling by the news that the chief medical officer had visited her holiday home in the area twice.

Mark Dickson, chairman of the Elie and the Royal Burgh of Earlsferry Community Council, said: “We are very disappointed to hear this news.

“A lot of residents are upset as we have made efforts to advise people to follow government guidelines on travelling and have a very high proportion of elderly and vulnerable people in our community.

“Since the travel restrictions came into effect we have been clear, as have our MP and MSP, that people should avoid non-essential travel and this includes visits to the East Neuk of Fife.

“We are grateful to the majority who have helped us protect our community by following the guidelines.

“We have limited resources and facilities to cope and like every

“It is not acceptable that the CMO feels she should not follow her own advice. LYN SHELLY

community across the country are doing our best to look after the vulnerable in these challenging times.”

Lyn Shelly said: “My parents are elderly and in the East Neuk and I would desperately love to go and check on them... But as a nurse I am fully aware of the risks and stupidity that this action would cause.

“It is not acceptable that the CMO feels she should not follow her own advice and has so much disregard for those who are trying our best to tackle this crisis on the frontline and not from behind a podium.”

Sally de Ferranti of Newburgh has a holiday home in the Edinburgh area. “On March 23 we were all asked to leave at about two hours notice,” she said.

“No exceptions, it was awful, staff on the site unhappy, older people willing to self-isolate to protect their grandchildren given little consideration.

“Dr Calderwood should resign now.”