Shadow Finance Secretary Donald Cameron has said that he is deeply dismayed after questioning First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about the measures required to revive the hospitality industry.

Mr Cameron said: “All businesses need to be able to plan and prepare and, given the hospitality sector has already lost so much of its seasonal business, speed is essential if it is to stage a recovery this year.

“Although we have a provisional date for re-opening tourism on 15th July, there is precious little guidance on what that actually means. For instance we still don’t know whether the 2m social distancing is likely to apply.

“I was therefore dismayed by the reaction of the First Minister to my question in which I referred to the bitter disappointment of pubs, hotels, and restaurants, who are in despair at the lack of progress being made.

“I appreciate the need for caution, but Nicola Sturgeon’s dismissive response did not instil much confidence that the Scottish Government really understands the need for urgency for the hospitality sector, which is of course so important to the Highlands and Islands.”