Nicola Sturgeon this week set out further indicative dates in Scotland’s route map out of lockdown.

And while many were overjoyed to hear news of the return of pubs, gyms and hairdressers, many eyes were on suggestion around holidays this year.

Under the current ‘stay at home’ restrictions, it’s against the law to leave your local authority except for essential purposes.

This is set to change to ‘stay local’ guidance on April 2, hopefully for no longer than three weeks.

So what about ‘staycations’?

Speaking to MSPs on Tuesday, Ms Sturgeon said: “We expect that from April 26, restrictions on journeys within mainland Scotland will be lifted entirely.”

It is also expected that tourist accommodation will be re-opened from this date, allowing for staycations once again this summer.

For some types of accommodation, like self-catering, restrictions will remain for rules around the mixing of households.  

The First Minister added that the “hope” is that restrictions between Scotland and other parts of the UK can be lifted on that date or “as soon as possible thereafter” – but this is “being kept under review”.

 

What about the Scottish islands?

The First Minister said there “may be a need to retain some restrictions on travel to and from the mainland” in order to protect island communities from the importation of new cases.

She added: “Rather than impose that decision now on our island communities, we intend to discuss it directly with them to determine what arrangements they consider will work best for their circumstances.”

Will we be able to travel abroad?

Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: “Reducing the risk of importing new cases – and new variants - is also directly relevant to the issue of international travel.”

She said that, like the UK Government, she is “certain that this will not be achievable before May 17.

“However, our view is that it may well not be possible for a further period after that.

“And, even when overseas travel does resume, it is very likely that a requirement for pre-departure and post-arrival testing will remain in place for some time to come.”