Industry leaders hit out at 'vague' and 'underwhelming' roadmap
The First Minister set out the Scottish Government's framework for lifting coronavirus restrictions yesterday
Last updated 24th Feb 2021
Scotland's roadmap out of lockdown is being described as 'vague' and 'underwhelming'.
The First Minister provided three indicative dates yesterday, which included when more pupils will go back to school and when parts of the economy could begin to reopen.
Nicola Sturgeon described her plans as "deliberately cautious", which could see areas like hospitality and retail start operating at the end of April.
Glasgow Airport
Flight from Glasgow Airport
Scottish Tourism
High Street in lockdown
Pub
Some aviation bosses say they've been forgotten about. Chief Executive of AGS Derek Provan, who owns Aberdeen and Glasgow airports, said: " The Prime Minister provided a clear framework for the safe restart of international aviation, but the First Minister has provided a clear message that the aviation industry is not a priority for the Scottish Government.
"This sends a very worrying signal to our airports, to our airlines and the thousands of staff our sector support."
The view that businesses in Scotland have been left more in the dark compared to their English counterparts has been echoed by the tourism industry.
Marc Crothall's the chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance, he said: "In a 3,459 word speech the word hospitality was mentioned once, tourism and hotels not mentioned at all, nor accommodation and self catering.
"What's important now is that we get a clear marketing message to everyone across the UK that Scotland is very much open for business for tourism and push for a late holiday and an autumn break, because England is certainly going to be ahead of us.
"Industry needs that clarity, both to prepare and give employees the comfort that they know when they can get back to working."
Broxburn businessman, Mark Mulgrew runs an entertainment company, and he’s disappointed Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement was less detailed than England’s.
"We were expecting a road map as she had promised. There are a few indicative dates but there's been no mention at all regarding the hospitality industry fully reopening," he said.
"The First Minister said Scotland's roadmap out of lockdown would run pretty much in line with the UK Government but would have variations pertinent to Scotland. It doesn't seemed to be aligned, there's a complete lack of detail."
Alison Henderson from Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce believes more information is needed for businesses to plan ahead.
"A bit too vague for businesses. They understand health has got be at the top of the agenda but we've still got to understand as a business community how to re-start our economy," she said.
Irene Gibson who owns the Monarch Bar in Dunfermline has expressed her disappointment at the update.
"Really quite disappointing, we were looking for dates and I think we were looking for more. The First Minister was very vague and underwhelming," she said