Dundonians urged to avoid travel to Tier 2

Dundonians are being urged not to travel to neighbouring Tier 2 Angus to take advantage of their looser restrictions.

Angus Council leader David Fair weather, who argued against proposals to put his area in Tier 3 due to its proximity with Dundee, said: “People absolutely cannot decide because Dundee pubs are closed that they will go to Angus or Perthshire for a pint.

“I would vehemently say to them: ‘Do not do that’ because it risks us all, including Dundee, being able to drop tiers and ge t back to normality.

“We have an opportunity to get some freedom back but if we’re silly about it we will pay the price, move up a tier and face more restrictions.

“Hopefully we will all stick to this and work towards having a good Christmas.”

Mr Fairweather was also concerned about being “lumped in” with Dundee and wrote to Ms Sturgeon last week asking that areas were considered by local authority, not region.

He said: “I’m obviously pleased we are in Tier 2 which will give our hospitality and other businesses some much needed relief.

“That does not mean to say we can be complacent,” he added.

“We still need to adhere to the restrictions that are in place, especially the need not to travel outside our tier level unless it is absolutely essential.

“It would have been good to get Tier 1 status but there is a link with Dundee, particularly to Ninewells as the main hospital, so I understand where NHS Tayside were coming from.

“However, the Scottish Government said we should be judged by local authority, not health board, and I agree with that.

“Tier 2 gives us an opportunity and goal to get this virus under control and move us back to normality.”