No decision made on holiday travel, says Scottish Government

The Scottish Government says it has not made a decision on whether to ease the rules around international travel, following the UK Government’s announcement of “air bridges” with certain countries.

Ministers north of the border are said to be “disappointed” that the announcement was made before a meeting of all four UK administrations.

The Scottish Government said the quarantine rules are a devolved matter as they relate to public health.

Changes to the blanket ban on holiday travel were announced on Friday, allowing travel to certain European countries depending on their risk status.

The “air bridges” mean Britons returning home would not have to quarantine for 14 days, as is currently the case.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “Scottish ministers have long argued for UK-wide public health measures relating to international travel as part of the wider response to this pandemic – to protect people and ensure that we limit the introduction of new chains of transmission of the virus when our own infection rates are falling.

“This is a matter for Scottish ministers – who have not yet taken a final decision.

“The Scottish Government had anticipated a four-nations ministerial discussion before the UK Government’s announcement, and it is disappointing that this has not yet taken place.”

The Scottish Conservatives said ministers north of the border should decide quickly.

Party leader Jackson Carlaw said: “It’s good news that people in Scotland can now look forward to a summer holiday in Europe.

“But they now need an urgent decision from the Scottish Government on whether they will be able to travel from Scottish airports, or have to fly from airports in other parts of the UK.

“Decisions on quarantine need to be taken without unnecessary delay by the Scottish Government so people can plan their hard-earned holidays.”