MSP appeals to First Minister to relax restrictions on weddings
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has called on Nicola Sturgeon to consider bringing forward a relaxation of some Covid measures on weddings.
Mr Halcro Johnston has previously made a direct appeal to the First Minister on behalf of constituents in the Highlands who, having already been forced to cancel their wedding plans twice because of the pandemic, faced their wedding taking place with restrictions which would be lifted only 10 days after their big day.
He said: ‘In my letter to the First Minister, I made the point that, as the government claims to still be on track to lift the restrictions anyway, surely these could be lifted a little earlier – only a matter of days – to allow couples to enjoy major life events with their family and friends. ‘So many couples have seen their original wedding plans disrupted and delayed and this would be only a small move but one which could make such a difference for many who can then celebrate their marriage with their loved ones as other couples will be able to do only days later.
Hospitality
‘I also made the point that some of Nicola Sturgeon’s own ministers have seemingly been enjoying hospitality at major events such as the football and the rugby, despite these being held with large crowds in areas with high Covid rates.
‘This has, understandably, caused a great deal of frustration for those couples whose own events are being restricted.
‘Unfortunately, the Scottish Government’s response – not from Nicola Sturgeon, but from one of her junior ministers – suggests they are unwilling to move on this or extend the same courtesy to those couples wishing to wed as their own ministers seem to be able to enjoy.
‘That will come as a real disappointment to the many couples involved - as well as to Scotland’s wedding and hospitality sectors - whose reasonable requests have been rejected by SNP ministers.’
As of July 19 (indicative), all of Scotland is expected to be moved to level 0, when the need for physical distancing will be no longer be required outdoors and physical distancing indoors will be reduced to one metre for all public settings.
This means outdoor dancing and mingling can resume at weddings and receptions.