According to BBC News the new rules will apply to an estimated 3.4 million people. The new rules come into effect on 6pm this Friday until 25 October 2020.

Willie Macleod, executive director for UKHospitality Scotland, commented: “This is a total catastrophe. Scottish hospitality is already on the brink and is unable to look ahead with any degree of confidence.

“Forced closures will spell the end for many, many venues which have no cash flow and will have exhausted their reserves. Severe restrictions to those businesses not forced to close will amount to a closure for many. It is likely to be the final straw for many that were only just hanging on. We are going to see businesses fold and many jobs lost.

“The First Minister stated that hospitality was by far the most impacted of sectors and we now need urgent confirmation of the details of the support package and how it will be applied. The Government has to move quickly to save businesses and keep jobs alive.”