Scottish Government moving us out of lockdown cautiously

The Scottish Government has outlined a provisional timetable for the relaxation of lockdown restrictions, but it depends very much on a continued suppression of the virus.

Large gatherings on Portobello Beach and in The Meadows appear to have flouted the guidance which is in place for now.

Taking a holiday may soon be possible, and VisitScotland is busy promoting the staycation which will help revive the tourism industry. The travel limit for leisure and exercise will be lifted and self-catering accommodation will be open along with outdoor hospitality.

While there is also a possibility of air bridges being created to take holidaymakers to foreign climes, that may not yet work out. Some travel operators have cancelled flights and it is all a bit confusing, changing from day to day.

If all goes according to plan, there will be more relaxation around who you can meet and where. From the middle of July children and young people can work off excess energy by taking part in organised outdoor contact sport, and dental surgeries will be able to see patients. Non-essential shops inside shopping centres will be able to reopen, and all childcare providers can offer help to working parents again.

Holiday accommodation, which includes hotels, will be able to fully open from 15 July. At that point the country can also heave a sigh of relief as hairdressers and barbers will reopen, albeit with extra hygiene measures in place.