Coronavirus (Covid19) is present in the Scottish Highlands and we are now living with it as one of several other respiratory infections.
Coronavirus continues to circulate in the Scottish Highlands, along with various other common respiratory infections. Although national restrictions have been lifted in Scotland, official advice is to take basic precautions to avoid catching Covid19. Note that lateral flow and PCR testing is no longer free, nor required. Visit the Medical history Help page for more booking-related health information.
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Coronavirus and outdoor activities in the Scottish Highlands
Although Lockdowns, ‘Tiers’ and ‘Stay at Home’ advice now no longer apply, here are a few points to remember about Covid19 in the Scottish Highlands:
- isolated rural communities include elderly or vulnerable residents who may still be ‘shielding’ (ie: protecting themselves or others due to poor health).
- small businesses have extremely limited staff, space and resources
- advanced medical care is very limited (both emergency and intensive)
Basic Covid19 precautions will protect your health, and also the community and emergency services when travelling in the Scottish Highlands. Please remember:
Some of the last areas of the UK to exit lockdown were the Scottish Highlands and islands. But they are very pleased to welcome visitors back!
The Highlands sees many international visitors. Therefore, the risk of exposure to Covid may be higher than you might think.
Coronavirus doesn’t just affect you. Covid can result in big financial loss for local workers and rescue teams.
Current Coronavirus Advice in Scotland
This general advice helps reduce the risk from Coronavirus in the Scottish Highlands:
- Stay at home if you have symptoms of a respiratory virus.
- Get the vaccine if you are in an at-risk group and are offered it.
- Hand washing regularly helps reduce the risk. Having your own small bottle of hand sanitiser is recommended, although bottles are generally available in public places.
- Consider wearing a face covering in enclosed public places.
- Ventilate in vehicles and indoor public areas.
For more details, see:
Scottish Government Coronavirus advice.
What is Arc Guiding doing re Coronavirus?
Arc Guiding is still providing outdoor activities as normal in the Scottish Highlands, but we ask guests to take sensible precautions against passing on Covid19, or any other respiratory infection. Following the advice on this page will go a long way to helping avoid infections.
FAQ: Outdoor activities and Coronavirus in the Scottish Highlands
Official recommendations if you start showing Covid symptoms are to self isolate and carry out a lateral flow test (if available). If you test positive, please do not travel for the course or guiding.
If you or your provider need to cancel due to Covid, get in touch with them to find out what (if any) rescheduling or refund options are available. Read Terms and Conditions for details of Arc Guiding’s policies.
First aid qualifications for instructors and guides range from 2 day emergency outdoor first aid, to 5 (or more) day expedition and advanced emergency medicine courses. These must be revalidated every few years and follow current best industry practice.
Public ‘loos’ have reopened in most villages in the Scottish Highlands, but enclosed public spaces can still present a Covid19 risk. Good hand hygiene is recommended. Where possible, go to the bathroom before your outdoor activity. Whilst travelling in remote areas in the Highlands, use ‘leave no trace‘ techniques.
Compulsory physical distancing no longer applies in indoor public spaces in Scotland.
The ‘Track and Trace’ system is no longer in operation in Scotland.
Please check for any travel restrictions or testing requirements for re-entering your home country (or onward international travel). There are no official restrictions for entry into Scotland at present.
Read more posts with Cairngorms and Scottish Highlands Local info, or read the post on Outdoor health.