Dumfries and Galloway’s tourism sector could be left in the starting blocks under lockdown exit plans, council leader Elaine Murray has warned.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last week her strategic framework for reopening the economy from late April.
Under the plan, restrictions in all Scottish regions would be eased to “at least level three, with some possible adjustments”.
If that protection level was applied, all but essential journeys in and out of region would still be prohibited.
Dr Murray said: “I’m concerned that our tourism businesses in Dumfries and Galloway will miss out.
“I fear that a lot of sectors don’t seem to have been taken account of at all. We are way behind Wales and England who are opening up earlier.”
Under protection level three, holiday accommodation can open to local people from a single household.
Restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can serve food and non-alcoholic drinks only until 6pm.
In England, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indicated that self-catering accommodation could begin reopening on April 12.
And Wales could be partially reopened to tourists in time for Easter.
“We could well be left behind,” Councillor Murray said.
The number of new cases in Dumfries and Galloway has fallen in recent days.
Dr Murray said: “Things are going in the right direction. However, people have to keep with it. The virus is still out there.”
