4. To ask the Scottish Government, in light of the potential impact on rural communities, what its response is to people travelling cross-border to holiday in Scotland’s beauty spots during the lockdown period. (S5O-04391)

Our good friends from south of the border are always welcome to Scotland, but at this time the guidance for everyone—irrespective of borders—is to travel locally only, for no more than about 5 miles, for leisure or exercise, no matter where they are located.

Because of the differences in the approaches to easing of lockdown in Scotland, England and the other nations of the UK, I would be obliged if the Minister could advise what communications have taken place between the devolved Governments and the UK Government to address the issue?

I am pleased to say that we work very closely together. We meet Nigel Huddleston, the UK Minister who is responsible for tourism, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism in Wales, and colleagues from Northern Ireland every fortnight. We have had numerous discussions, and the question of travel between our nations has been talked about frequently. We all agree that, following lifting of restrictions, people from all over the UK will be able to enjoy a holiday in Scotland, just as we expect that people in Scotland will enjoy the opportunity to holiday in other parts of the UK.