THE Scottish Government says it is “untrue” that John Swinney cancelled a meeting with the leader of Scottish Borders Council (SBC) regarding local lockdown rules.
Earlier today (November 4), SBC leader Shona Haslam claimed Mr Swinney had failed to honour his commitment to speak to her this week.
But now a spokesperson for the Scottish Government has told the Border Telegraph: “No call has been cancelled, and to suggest otherwise is untrue.”
Within the five-tier system, introduced this week to curb coronavirus, the Borders has been placed in Level 2.
As reported earlier today, Mrs Haslam said she had been due to speak to Mr Swinney this week about the rules in the Borders, but she said Mr Swinney had cancelled at the “last minute”.
Mrs Haslam, of the Conservatives, said: “When John Swinney cancelled, I immediately contacted his office to politely request a meeting as was promised, but received a firm no."
Photo: John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister. Picture by Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
Responding to Mrs Haslam’s claim, the Scottish Government spokesperson said: “No call has been cancelled, and to suggest otherwise is untrue.
“The Deputy First Minister [Mr Swinney] agreed to a follow-up call with Cllr Haslam which has yet to be diarised, and arrangements are being taken forward at official level for this.
“The Deputy First Minister also spoke with Cllr Haslam – as with all local authorities – about the [Borders’] specific circumstances, which were taken into account as part of the implementation of its initial [lockdown] level.
“The First Minister [Nicola Sturgeon] has also been clear in setting out the thinking underpinning our proportionate approach, which has a real chance of being sustainable and keeping COVID-19 under control over the winter.”
Under the Level 2 rules, people are banned from visiting other homes and pubs can only sell alcohol indoors if they serve it alongside a main meal.
The strictest rules are applied in Level 4, with the most relaxed in Level 0. There are currently no parts of Scotland in Level 4 or Level 0.
Last week Mrs Haslam said she hoped the Borders could quickly move into Level 1.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel