Nicola Sturgeon has set out Scotland’s next steps out of lockdown and route "back 'towards a way of life that is much closer to normality' in a statement to MSPs in Parliament this afternoon.
The First Minister confirmed plans to lift the current ’stay at home’ rule on April 2 to be replaced with guidance to 'stay local' - i.e. not to travel outside your local authority area unless for essential purposes - for a period of no more than 3 weeks.
In respect of the position on travel, she confirmed in her statement that from April 26, restrictions on journeys within mainland Scotland will be lifted entirely.
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However, restrictions may be retained on travel between the mainland and island communities should restrictions on socialising and hospitality are relaxed more quickly and significantly on the islands to protect island communities from the importation of new cases.
The First Minister said that rather than impose that decision on island communities now, it will be discussed directly with them.
Ms Sturgeon also said that she hopes that "restrictions on journeys between Scotland and other parts of the UK and the wider common travel area can also be lifted, if not on 26 April, then as soon as possible thereafter".
This, she said, will be kept under review as part of the Scottish Government's efforts to reduce the risk of new covid cases and variants being imported to Scotland, with an updated position to be revealed next month.
And Nicola Sturgeon also confirmed in her statement that the Scottish Government intends to enter into discussions later this week with the aviation sector on "how and when non-essential travel to some international destinations may be possible again".
She added that she is "certain" that this "will not be achievable before 17 May" but noted that it is predicted that non-essential travel to some international destinations to be permitted "may well not be possible for a further period after that".
Finally, when overseas travel is permitted again, the First Minister said that it is "very likely that a requirement for pre-departure and post-arrival testing will remain in place for some time to come".
