SHONA HASLAM says Scotland’s Deputy First Minister has cancelled a meeting about the lockdown level applied to the Borders.

Scottish Borders Council leader Mrs Haslam, of the Conservatives, had wanted to speak to John Swinney about the new five-tier system under which the Borders sits in Level 2.

But Mrs Haslam says Mr Swinney has cancelled this week’s meeting.

The Tweeddale East representative said: “When John Swinney cancelled, I immediately contacted his office to politely request a meeting as was promised, but received a firm no."

Describing the response as "completely unacceptable", Mrs Haslam added: “The First Minister [Nicola Sturgeon] talks about the right way to do things.

“The right way is not to cancel meetings at the last minute and impose your will on local government.

“The right way is to discuss, listen, inform and take decisions in partnership.”

The Scottish Government has been contacted for comment.

Last week, Mrs Haslam said she was disappointed that the Borders had not been placed in Level 1.

The strictest rules are imposed in Level 4, with the most relaxed in Level 0.