Responding to the Scottish Government’s announcement that Glasgow will remain at Level 3 until at least the 5^th of June pending a review on the 2^nd of June, Dr Liz Cameron OBE, Chief Executive of the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“There were many anxious businesses across Scotland waiting to hear the decision of the First Minister today, with Glasgow’s consumer reach extending across Scotland with thousands of day visitors and tourists. The impact of this extended closure will be even more devastating for crisis-hit businesses in Glasgow, as many were looking forward to opening their doors to take advantage of the upcoming bank holiday on Monday.

“We need government at both Holyrood and Westminster to now step in to provide a level of meaningful financial support if we are to save jobs and livelihoods.

“The Scottish Government’s expanded test and protect, supported by an accelerated vaccination programme, needs to continue. One glimmer of hope is that we seem to be going in the right direction as far as the health harms are concerned but the economic harms are just as critical. We hope that the review promised next week will bring a decision to enable Glasgow to move down into Level 2, allowing businesses to plan ahead and fully welcome consumers and tourists back.”