Statement in response to Scottish Government review of COVID tier system

The First Minister has announced the review of protection levels in Scotland today, taking into account the fall in prevalence of the virus.

Highland will remain in level one however household visits for 6 people from 2 households will be extended to other inhabited islands within Highland, but not Skye or other islands linked to the mainland. Changes come into effect from Friday.

Leader of the Highland Council Margaret Davidson expressed disappointment at the decision. She said: “While this may be welcome news for a small number of households in island communities, the relaxation will only benefit some 300 people or less than 2% of people in Highland. The other 98.5% of the Highland population will have to continue to meet in hospitality, where this is available or suffer the isolation which these restrictions bring.”

Mrs Davidson continued : “I understand that the First Minister is taking a cautious approach however the number of positive cases remains well under 20 per 100,000. The First Minister refers to balancing the four harms of Covid – Highland is currently victim to the harms to the economy and to individuals of isolation and mental ill health during the coldest and darkest days of winter.

"I do not think that our unique rural context is fully understood. Many places in the Highlands are just as isolated as on any remote island. In many communities it is simply not possible for people to meet in a hospitality setting and where this is possible, it carries a cost for those who are on low incomes or have been financially affected by the pandemic.

"Household visits are part of Highland way of life and are not just beneficial for our wellbeing, but essential to our wellbeing. We will continue to lobby for this change and reverse the harms imposed by these continued levels of restrictions.”

​The total population of the Highland Council islands is 10,349 of which 10,008 live on the Isle of Skye. Apart from Skye the most populous islands are: Raasay (161), Eigg (110), Muck (27), Rum (22) and Canna (12).