The outcome of the weekly review of Scotland’s Covid-19 restriction was announced in the Scottish Parliament by the First Minister on Tuesday who confirmed that the Scottish Borders would move to level 1 from Friday.

South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has said the move is ‘long awaited and long overdue’ and will be most welcomed by hospitality across the region. Under level 1 restrictions, ‘restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars can open indoors and outdoors for the consumption of food and alcoholic drinks in line with licensing rules’.

He said: “People across our region have worked really hard over the past couple of months and their sacrifices have paid off when we look at the latest Covid-19 figures.

“This change to level 1 is very welcome and while everyone recognises that the virus is still dangerous, and we must all remain vigilant until we can all receive a vaccination, it is long awaited and overdue.

“The argument that our proximity to areas with high levels of Covid-19 put our region at risk of an increase in cases has thankfully proved to be unfounded.

“A move to level 1 will also be extremely welcome news for our hard-pressed hospitality sector, who have suffered a great deal since the start of the pandemic.”