Frustration as amateur athletes excluded from restriction ease
Amateur athletes will have to wait until the 26th of April before they can train in a neighboring local authority
Last updated 16th Apr 2021
Scotland's running community says there's been a 'missed opportunity' in getting more amateur athletes back to club training sessions.
Restrictions are easing on travelling within Scotland and meeting up with other households from today.
Six adults from six different households can meet up outdoors to socialise in a private garden, a public space or for exercise.
But some rules remain in place, to the frustration of business and restaurants - and amateur athletes.
Tay News spoke to Scottish Athletics chairman Ian Beattie:
"You can have the situation where somebody stays in Angus and wants to join the Dundee Hawkhill Harriers for example, they've not been able to attend for the last number of weeks," he said.
"I fully understand the health issues around this and the protection, but when people are able to travel all over the country there doesn't seem to be any particular logic to this situation.
"There a sense of both frustration and bewilderment I think with this at the moment, that people are able to travel again but can't resume our club training, and the impact that that has."
Adults can’t attend an organised non-contact sport session that’s outside of their council area until 26 April – when we move into Level 3.
Under 18's are exempt from this.
A Scottish Government spokesperson confirmed: "The change in travel rules from 16 April allows people to meet friends and family in small groups (subject to the 6/6 rule plus under 12s) outdoors.
"Other travel restrictions are planned to be lifted between areas at Level 3 on 26th April.
"For sport this means that from 16 April people can travel anywhere in Scotland to meet for outdoor exercise subject to the 6/6 (plus u12s) rule.
"Until 26 April the current prohibition remains in place on travel by adults between local authority areas to meet in larger groups than 6 for outdoor amateur sport/training."