October holidays Edinburgh and Lothians 2020: when schools are off for half term

Family holidays may be affected by the recent lockdown restrictions

Pupils in Edinburgh and Lothians might be looking forward to the October mid-term break, but new restrictions across the Central Belt could impact holiday plans this year.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has announced additional coronavirus restrictions, which will be in effect for the Central Belt from 9 -25 October, because of “significantly high” infection levels.

These are the dates for the Edinburgh and Lothians October holidays, along with current advice on booking a break away.

What are the new restrictions?

All licensed premises (with the exemption of hotels for residents) will be required to close, both indoors and outdoors across five health board areas in the Central Belt.

Takeaways will be permitted to stay open, as well as licensed cafes, which may open from 6am to 6pm.

Additionally, snooker and pool halls, indoor bowling alleys, casinos and bingo halls will be required to close in the Central Belt for two weeks, from 10 October.

The government is also advising people living within the region not to travel outside of the health board area they live in if it’s not essential.

When are the October holidays for Edinburgh & Lothians?

Edinburgh City Council

This year the October mid-term break will take place between Monday 19 to Monday 26 October 2020.

This means school pupils will return to class on Tuesday 27 October.

Full details on all the terms dates for Edinburgh City can be found on the local council website.

East Lothian

This year the October half term break will take place between Monday 19 October to Monday 26 October 2020

This means school pupils will return to class on Tuesday 27 October.

Full details on all the term dates for East Lothian can be found on the local council website.

West Lothian

This year the October half term break is from Monday 12 October to Tuesday 20 October 2020.

This means school pupils will return to class on Wednesday 21 October.

Full details on all the term dates for West Lothian can be found on the local council website.

Midlothian

This year the October half term break will take place between Monday 19 to Monday 26 October 2020.

This means school pupils will return to class on Tuesday 27 October.

Full details of all the term dates for Midlothian can be found on the local council website.

Can my family go on holiday to other parts of Scotland?

After a rise in coronavirus cases in Scotland, the country has reinstated restrictions on everyday life, with the central belt worst affected.

While restrictions on the distance you can travel within Scotland no longer apply, the government has advised people living in the central belt against all but essential travel outside of your health board area.

While mandatory travel restrictions are not being introduced, people in Scotland are being asked not to visit other parts of the central belt, or any other area in the UK with tougher restrictions in place.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "We are not imposing mandatory travel restrictions at this stage, and, specifically, we are not insisting that people cancel any half-term breaks they have planned.”

The Scottish government is currently advising against non-essential foreign travel abroad. A few weeks ago, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon implored families not to book foreign travel for the October Half Term.

Holidays within Scotland are still permitted for people outside of the central belt, but bear in mind that households are not allowed to mix currently, meaning you shouldn’t go away with anyone from outside of your household.

What if I have booked something?

If you booked a “staycation” holiday for the family in Scotland this October, the new lockdown measures may mean you have to cancel.

You should check the terms and conditions of your travel and accommodation provider carefully for refund policies in the event of cancellation.

You can check what local measures are in place in your local area here.

What are my rights in case of cancellation?

Generally, if you have booked through a travel company or airline you will be entitled to a full refund, although during the coronavirus pandemic, this hasn’t always been straightforward.

If the travel company you’re booked through collapses, you are entitled to a refund.

If you’re having difficulty getting money back from a travel company, holidaymakers can also attempt to get their money back from your card firm if you booked your trip with a credit or debit card.

If your travel or holiday company hasn’t cancelled, but restrictions on movement are in place, you may be able to claim money back on issuance - if your policy covers coronavirus.

However, if your provider doesn’t cancel, but you are simply worried about your safety, getting money back can be slightly tricky.

You should check the details of your booking carefully, and research your rights in case of cancellation.

October holidays Edinburgh and Lothians 2020: when schools are off for half term - and how Scotland restrictions could affect travel