Fresh calls for measures at airports

The Scottish Government is facing renewed calls to introduce a coronavirus testing regime for airports.

Labour is demanding ministers introduce a “robust” system, with passengers tested on arrival in Scotland with follow-up checks carried out later.

Party transport spokesman Colin Smyth insisted such a scheme was needed after the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown caused job losses across the aviation sector – with economists warning more could be a risk.

The Fraser of Allander Institute think tank warned in July of the potential for thousands more positions to be at risk, amidst the ongoing crisis.

Mr Smyth insisted that the current Scottish Government quarantine system – which sees those arriving in Scotland from countries deemed to be Covid-19 hotspots required to self isolate for 14 days – was “not fit for purpose”.

And he will use a debate at

Holyrood today to demand the Scottish Government introduces airport testing as an alternative to this.

He also wants ministers to work with trade unions to develop a specific package of support for the aviation industry.

Speaking ahead of the debate, Mr Smyth said: “Scotland’s aviation sector is among the industries hit the hardest by Covid-19, with many jobs already lost – and up to around 5,000 now at risk.

“This will have a knock-on effect on our tourism sector in the short and long terms, and we simply can’t afford to stand by.

“That is why Scottish Labour is calling the Scottish Government to work with the aviation sector and the relevant trade unions in Scotland to agree on a specific package of support for the industry.

“We are also calling for an urgent review of the existing quarantine system, which is clearly not fit for purpose.”