Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron has warned that local businesses have been left in the dark over Covid measures after Nicola Sturgeon delayed a decision on whether the vaccine passport scheme is to be extended.

The Scottish Conservative MSP said: “We are fast approaching Christmas,  a crucial time for businesses in the hospitality sector which is so important for my region.

“Many will have tuned in to Nicola Sturgeon’s Covid briefing seeking clarification but have come away none the wiser.

“As it stands they still don’t know whether they will need to employ extra staff to check vaccine passports, or even whether they will be able to open at all.

“The clock is ticking down and I fear that unless ministers very rapidly make their minds up, businesses across the Highlands and Islands will end up paying a very significant price for this delay.”