Welcome for tourism business reopening plans but concerns remain

But, the Chief Executive of Outer Hebrides Tourism, Rob McKinnon, has also warned that the government’s announcement will be ‘of little benefit’ to tourism businesses in the islands if travel restrictions remain in place beyond that date.

Mr McKinnon said: “[This] announcement is a welcome sign that the end of a long and tough period of lock-down is approaching, and gives businesses a fighting chance of making it through to 2021.

“We hope that measures taken to combat the virus continue to bring it under control, and we can move through the stages of the government route map as outlined. We are pleased to see recognition of the extensive work done on how facilities can operate safely in a time of COVID.

“Welcome as Fergus Ewing’s statement is,” Mr McKinnon concluded, “it is of little benefit to island businesses given the ongoing constraints on ferry capacity, with the Loch Seaforth limited to 100 passengers per sailing. This means that island businesses may be permitted to open from mid-July but their customers won’t be able to get to the islands.”

Last week the Scottish Government’s Tourism Secretary, Fergus Ewing, announced the establishment of a ‘Tourism Taskforce’ to support the recovery of the industry, with the provisional date of 15 July set “for when tourism businesses may be able to resume operations, dependent on public health advice and progression to Phase 3 of the Scottish Government lock-down route-map”.

Mr Ewing made the announcements during a statement to Parliament.

He said: “The corona-virus pandemic has presented challenges across the entirety of the Scottish economy, but it is very clear there are exceptional circumstances facing this sector that must be recognised.

“We have acted as quickly as we can to address the significant financial challenges faced by businesses and provide a comprehensive package of support.

“We are also pushing the UK Government to do more, including a review of VAT rates and to consider extensions to schemes such as the Corona-virus Job Retention Scheme.

“I’ve been engaging with businesses since the beginning of the outbreak and I have heard their calls for more clarity which today I can provide. Businesses should start to prepare for a provisional return to trading – with appropriate safety guidelines – on the 15th July 2020.

“This date cannot be definitive and is conditional on public health advice and progression to Phase 3 of the route map. Businesses must now use this time to satisfy the necessary regulations and adapt to the new way of living.”

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar also confirmed last week that Island Authorities ‘are involved in discussions’ regarding any proposed amendments to travel restrictions on ferries to and from the Islands.

In a statement, the Comhairle said it is ‘seeking clarification’ on eligibility for travel as restrictions are gradually eased ‘with a preference for island residents and essential travellers being the priority in the initial stages’.

A spokesperson for the Comhairle said: “The Comhairle has repeatedly stated that our preference would be that any easing of restrictions means priority for Island residents and essential travellers such as medical workers and specialist contractors.

“First and foremost in our considerations will be the safety of our communities. At some point, the Islands will have to open up to recreational and other visitors for the sake of our economy – and we will welcome everyone back with traditional Hebridean hospitality – but that will have to be done gradually and carefully. We will continue to have discussions with Scottish Government and all interested parties.

“The Comhairle is also seeking an easing of inter-island ferry travel restrictions for families living in the Islands.”