Scotland’s troubled hotel and tourism industry could reopen from July 15 - if coronavirus stays in control.
Fergus Ewing, the Scottish Government minister for tourism, revealed the date in what could be a last chance for some to capture any summer trade.
At Holyrood he said: “As things stand just now, our hope is that we will be able to give the go-ahead to a reopening of the sector at the July 9 review.
“Assuming this does prove possible some time would then be required for interconnected services, such as transport to prepare."
Ewing added: “On that basis, and on the clear understanding with the industry that nothing can be absolutely guaranteed at this stage, and that we may need to change this date if the evidence requires it, we would encourage tourism and hospitality businesses to prepare within appropriate safety guidelines for reopening on July 15.”
Scotland’s Finance Secretary Kate Forbes has discussed further support for the industry with UK Chancellor Rishi Sunak.
Andrew McRae, of the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “With these new details about when they’ll possibly re-open, small accommodation providers can start making the necessary preparations.
“That gives these firms an opportunity to salvage a share of their summer season.”
Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, said: “We will remain hopeful that an earlier date for reopening may be given for certain sectors which are more easily placed to do so safely by their nature, for example self-catering, caravan and camping parks and would ask that continued consideration is given to this as we move further out of lockdown.”
