Business leader insists

The move to tougher Tier 3 restrictions has been described as a “body blow” to businesses.

Stephen Leckie, chief executive of the Crieff Hydro hotels group, said: “We are bitterly disappointed with the decision to bring Perth and Kinross into Tier 3.

“We urge the Scottish Government to work with the data specific to each area on its own merit and identify the exact reasons behind any isolated cases and take these into account, rather than penalising those businesses and sectors who are following the guidelines to the letter and are not contributing to the spread,” he added.

Mr Leckie, who is also president of Perthshire Chamber of Commerce, said restrictions should be lifted as soon as the numbers allow.

“The upshot is, that, once again, certain businesses and sectors are bearing the brunt and facing the devastating impact of these restrictions,” he said.

“Fo r those in some sectors, including tourism, hospitality and retail, this undermines their ability to survive.

“We continue and emphasise our call on the Scottish Government to urgently provide a strengthened financial suppor t package that our local

businesses quickly.

“Without this, we face the very real prospect of businesses not being able to afford to continue trading and, inevitably, widespread job losses.”

Deputy First Minister and Pe r t h s h i r e No r t h MS P Jo h n Swinney said action was needed to reduce infection and protect lives.

“I appreciate this change will raise diffic ult challenges for businesses, but I would urge everyone to work together to tackle the situation we face,” he said.

“If we play our part, we can access easily and can reduce the prevalence of the virus and see a move back to better circumstances, sooner rather than later.”

Mid Scot land and F ife Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “It is a particular blow for businesses in the hospitality sector who have already been struggling with the restrictions and have found it difficult to operate.”

Fife Labour MSP Alex Rowley said people must work to bring infection rates down.

“Businesses have been working hard to stay open and will be very disappointed,” he said.

“This is a difficult time but we have a tradition in Fife of standing together in solidarity and that is what is required at this time to beat the virus.”

Shona Robison, MSP for Dundee City East, said the people of Dundee had shown what can be achieved.

“I hope that the figures showing a decline in cases are reassuring in showing the actions they are taking are working, and that by continuing to follow the guidance we can suppress the virus further with the aim of seeing the current level of restrictions lifted,” she said.