Scots could still be in with the chance of a summer holiday this year as long as certain social distancing measures are upheld, according to an EU chief.
Ursula von der Leyen stated that "smart solutions" are possible once the pandemic begins to lessen, as European countries such as Greece and Austria look to support their travel economy despite the coronavirus outbreak, the Mirror reports.
In an attempt to provide a solution, Italian company Nuova Neon Group 2 have released unusual designs for a host of glass box structures that would protect sunbathers from the virus whilst catching some rays.
The booths would be big enough to hold to sun loungers and an umbrella, with plexi-glass walls standing at over 6ft high.
Claudio Ferrari, the CEO of Nuova Neon Group 2, told La Repubblica: "A week ago we tried to imagine the return to the beach.
"The idea was born with the dual purpose of protecting but also of restarting the activities."
However, life guards have voiced concerns that people could die from dehydration if the weather gets too hot, with the boxes potentially creating health issues of their own.
A commission spokesperson has confirmed the EU is considering “pan-European co-ordination” as it looks at potentially kick-starting the tourism industry.
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, meanwhile, has urged people to put travel to the back of their minds as the world concentrates on beating coronavirus.
This comes after Transport Secretary Grant Shapps warned Brits against booking summer getaways which sparked outrage from the travel industry, with millions of jobs at risk.
Due to lockdown measures, only essential travel is currently permitted, with only a few commercial flights leaving Edinburgh Airport each week for reasons such as allowing Scots abroad to travel home.
