Scotland's five-mile travel limit lifted for the first time in months

The five-mile travel limit in Scotland has been lifted.

Scotland’s five-mile travel limit has been lifted and self-contained holiday accommodation can now reopen as Covid-19 restrictions continue to be eased across the nation.

With the country now in phase two of its lockdown exit plan, several restrictions have been relaxed across the country. However, the changes to the five-mile rule do not apply to at risk areas in Dumfries and Galloway.

The rest of Scotland will be able to drive as far as they like from today (July 3), as restrictions around self-catering accommodation and visiting second homes are softened.

Popular holiday spot Elie in Fife's East Neuk. Picture: Shutterstock

Restricted areas

The measure in the south-west is the first of its type to be imposed locally rather than nationally in Scotland, but Nicola Sturgeon made clear it was not a “local lockdown” similar to the one seen in Leicester in England this week.

A total of ten positive cases have been identified, the First Minister said, and staff at three workplaces with connection to those cases are in the process of being tested today.

Ms Sturgeon said she was “hopeful” the outbreak would be contained, but said the government must act on a “precautionary basis”.

She implored those living in the affected area to continue to follow the five mile travel guidance until after the weekend to allow for contract tracing and testing to be completed.

She said: “We are very hopeful that this outbreak will be contained - and I should stress there is no evidence at this stage to suggest otherwise. But until contact tracing and testing has been completed, we cannot be absolutely sure of that.

“If yo