The Scottish Government roadmap out of Lockdown sets out a phased route for easing the lockdown restrictions in Scotland.
Phase 1 of the roadmap is due to come in to force on Friday 29th of May. Moving to the subsequent phases of easing lockdown will take place once specific criteria around Covid-19 and our ability to manage it have been met. As a result, there are no firm dates yet in place for moving to phase 2, 3 and 4.
Under phase 1 and phase 2 of the roadmap you cannot travel to Tiree for your holiday or to visit your second home. In her speech announcing the detail of the phase 1 changes The First Minister made this clear, saying ‘it is still the case that you should not go to our island communities, except for essential reasons.‘
Please spend this time planning what you are going to do when you can safely get here in phase 3 and beyond. Tiree will still be here in all her glory and we look forward to seeing you as soon as it is safe and advisable to visit.
Calmac is currently operating an essential LIFELINE timetable which is to bring supplies and key workers to and from Tiree.
Your reason for travel and driving licence will be asked for at the ferry terminal at Oban and you risk bringing this dangerous virus into an elderly and vulnerable community.
Loganair are also operating and essential travel only service. They are currently allowing you to put on hold, for 12 months, any bookings up to the 28th of June and they will keep reviewing this so please check their FAQ on their website.
Finally, please remember, this is the Scottish Roadmap. We are a few weeks behind here compared to England as COVID-19 hit us later. If you are in England, please ensure you are not breaking the Scottish rules.
For local up to date guidance on Covid-19 on Tiree please visit www.tireetrust.org.uk
If you would like to subscribe to updates please contact louise@tireetrust.org.uk
More details on the Scottish Government Phased Approach to Covid-19 restrictions in relation to Tourism on Tiree are as follows
The Scottish Government released its ‘COVID-19 – Framework for Decision Making’ document. This document includes a Phased Approach to varying and easing the restrictions brought in to combat the Covid-19 epidemic in Scotland.
The restrictions put in place to combat the Covid-19 epidemic in Scotland have severely impacted the tourism and leisure industries across the country. These impacts have been felt especially keenly in rural and island communities where tourism is a significant part of the overall economy. These communities also face unique challenges in dealing with the risks from the Covid-19 pandemic.
To Summarise the four phases:
Lockdown (currently in force)
- Stay at home with essential travel only, staying in local area.
- Closure of entertainment premises and leisure facilities.
- Closure of holiday accommodation.
Phase 1 (likely to be in force from Thursday 28th May)
- Travel permitted for short distances for outdoor leisure and exercise but advice to stay within a short distance of your local community (broadly within 5 miles)
- Unrestricted outdoors exercise adhering to distancing measures including non-contact, outdoor activities in your local areas e.g. golf, hiking, canoeing, outdoor swimming, angling.
Phase 2
- People are permitted to drive locally for leisure purposes.
- Public transport operating increased services but capacity still significantly limited to allow for physical distancing.
- May be geographical differences depending on circumstances.
- Previously closed small retail units can reopen with physical distancing.
- Pubs and restaurants can open outdoor spaces with physical distancing and increased hygiene routines.
Phase 3
- Can drive beyond local area for leisure and exercise purposes.
- Pubs and restaurants can open in indoor spaces with physical distancing and increased hygiene routines.
- Relaxation of restrictions on accommodation providers (including hotels, B&Bs and holiday homes).
- Live events permitted with restricted numbers and physical distancing restrictions.
Phase 4
- Public transport would be operating a full service and capacity. Physical distancing may remain in place.
- All shops, pubs, restaurants and cafes open with improved public health advice. Shop local still encouraged.
- Further relaxation of restrictions on live events in line with public health advice.
It is important for those hoping to visit Tiree to be clear in this message, particularly to those who might plan to visit from outside Scotland where a different set of rules may apply.
Travelling to Tiree and staying here for leisure purposes is not currently permitted and, as things stand, will not be so until the Scottish Government determine that we have reached Phase 3 of the route map.
Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we cannot wait to welcome you back to our island when circumstances allow. Until then ‘Plan for when you can’.
