'It is an absolute kick in the teeth' - Edinburgh readers react to Scottish Government's latest Christmas rules

Edinburgh has responded to Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement that families in Scotland can meet up with two other household this Christmas for a period of five days over the festive period – and the reaction has been firmly against the plan.

Following the announcement we thought we would ask you, our readers, what you thought about the easing of Covid rules to allow families and friends to get together over winter break.

And it appears the new Christmas plans have triggered an overwhelmingly negative response – here’s how readers have reacted.

Stephen Ball said he is anticipating a surge in cases after Christmas since hearing the latest announcement.

Christmas themed face masks for sale on display in a shop window on Edinburgh's Princes Street. Scotland is currently using a tier system to try and drive down coronavirus cases.

“I think there will be a massive spike in the New Year and testing capacity will be further stretched,” he said. "Covid isn’t taking a break so neither should we.

"I do find the restrictions very tough, but if everyone did what they were asked we wouldn’t have it as bad now. Too many people in shops and supermarkets not wearing face masks, it doesn’t help.”

Steven Robertson said: “It’s a recipe for disaster... and how many extra deaths?”

Another commenter, Lisa Newman, said she wholeheartedly disagrees with the latest government announcement on Christmas saying the news comes as “a kick in the teeth.”

She said: “I find this absolutely ridiculous.

"Why have we all been held under restrictions to protect each other, missed weddings, missed funerals, people dying alone, also many many people been lonely for so long just to have a five day free for all for Christmas.

"Personally I feel it is an absolute kick in the teeth for everyone who has been following the rules and missing out on precious family and friend time.

"We are, in the long run, gong to suffer longer as this five day window is ideal for Covid to spread so easily with alcohol flowing, people who haven't see each other for ages being able to travel through the UK without restriction, maybe I am being stupid but I just don't get it.”

Sandi Gardner said she is still going to cancel her Christmas gathering this year because meeting up will be too much of a risk for her loved ones.

She said: “I am still cancelling ours as it’s too risky for a few family members.

"Sad it’s got to be done, but once things ease and are getting “normal” we can get together and have a belated Christmas.

"As much as I want to see my family for Christmas we would rather be safe than sorry!”

Other commenters said the latest easing of regulations for the festive period is “unfair" on other religious groups in the country who have been denied celebrations such as Diwali and Eid.

Irene Moises said: “Terrible, I feel for other religious celebrations that were not allowed to go ahead so why Christmas.”

After a Cobra meeting chaired by Tory minister Michael Gove and the first ministers of the devolved nations, it was confirmed people would be able to see family over the festive period.

Applying across the UK, this will include overnight stays and will last from December 23 to December 27.

Confirming the plans, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon urged caution despite the relaxation of measures.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.