We've spent a few months only dreaming of exploring Scotland, but it's now time to turn these dreams into plans, and take a break in Scotland. Use our "We're Open" search feature below to find businesses which have reopened, and look out for the Good to Go logo, to see businesses which have carried out a Covid-19 risk assessment. Please remember to plan and book ahead - many businesses including attractions can't accept walk-ins anymore due to capacity restrictions and other safety measures.
We've got all the information you need on what you need to know - physical distancing guidelines and face coverings, what's open, and other questions you might have on safety measures to keep you safe from Covid-19 on your Scottish trip.
Last updated: 8 October 2020
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What everyone needs to know
The Scottish Government wants people to be safe but is not advising that booked holiday accommodation in October needs to be cancelled. They want visitors to think about whether you need to travel, especially if you live in or would be travelling to central Scotland.
National restrictions
- NEW: Pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes can open until 6pm indoors, but only for food and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can only be served outdoors until the venue closes at 10pm each night. Hotels and their restaurants may remain open for residents only beyond 6pm, but cannot serve alcohol after this time.
- NEW: Shops will be asked from this weekend to return to 2 m physical distancing, and re-introduce additional measures such as one-way systems.
- You should not be meeting another household in any home.
- There are exceptions for those who live alone, non-cohabiting couples, childcare and tradespeople.
- You can meet with one other household in hospitality or outdoors including in a private garden, up to a total of six people (not counting any children under 12 years old).
- Young people between 12 and 18 can meet outdoors in a group of six from different households.
- Hospitality establishments are required to close at 10pm every night.
- Maintain a 2 m distance from anyone outside your household, unless in a specific setting where a 1 m distance is advised due to additional precautions (eg hospitality). This doesn't apply to children under 12.
- Face coverings are mandatory on public transport, in shops, tourist attractions, cinemas and pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes, when not at your table.
- You should not share a journey in a private car with someone outside your household.
NEW Local restrictions
These restrictions are in place for the following areas:
- Edinburgh & The Lothians
- Greater Glasgow & Clyde Valley
- Ayrshire & Arran
- Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Stirling & Forth Valley
The restrictions are:
- Pubs, bars and licensed restaurants to shut to all but takeaway food services from 6pm on Friday 9 October until Sunday 25 October.
- Hotels and their restaurants may remain open for residents only, but cannot serve alcohol.
- All cafes can open until 6pm each day, but cannot serve alcohol.
- Avoid public transport unless necessary - eg for travel to school or work.
- Snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls will also be closed.
- Anyone in this area is advised to think carefully about whether they need to travel outside of the region they live in. If it is necessary, they should plan to do so safely.
SPECIFIC HOLIDAY RESTRICTIONS
- You can still book your household onto organised activities - outdoor activities, tours, coaches - alongside other unconnected households, as these operators are still allowed to take larger numbers where capacity allows. You should keep to your own household within the activity, follow 2 m physical distancing (1 m for organised day boat trips) and wear your mask on coaches, tours and boat trips.
- You can only stay in self-catered accommodation (including caravans, flats and holiday cottages) with your own household while the current restrictions on indoor private gatherings are in place.
- If you are planning a stay in a hotel, B&B or similar, you should book at least one room per household.
Contact tracing app
- All residents and visitors should download the Protect Scotland app for free from the Apple and Google stores. The app will alert you if you have been in close contact with another app user who has tested positive for coronavirus. It supports contact tracing and works through Bluetooth anonymously, protecting your privacy.