First Minister Nicola Sturgeon confirmed the change in her statement to Parliament today following a three-week period of the Council area operating in Level 4.
The Scottish Government uses a combination of factors to determine the Levels for each Council area and in her statement today, the First Minister explained the decision to place Stirling in level 3 by stating: “I want to thank people across the country for their compliance in recent weeks. However, this improved position, while positive, does not remove the need for a cautious approach.
“The risks and challenges of the next few months are clear and that is why in reaching decisions today, we’ve had to consider the potential overall impact of moving to a lower level of restrictions at the same time as the Christmas period begins in earnest.
“That has led us to a proportionate, but still cautious set of conclusions.”
Health concerns remain a priority
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Scott Farmer, said: “While we would all have preferred to see Stirling placed in Level 2 today, I can understand the Government’s view and the rationale in reaching its conclusion.
“We are in a situation where health concerns ultimately remain the priority and there are still areas of Stirling where the seven day positive rate per 100,000 people is more than 100. The Government has also repeatedly stated its desire to take a cautious approach, given the likely impact increased travel and social interaction could have on vital support services during this period.
“Level 3 does still allow for restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars to open indoors and outdoors for the consumption of food and non-alcoholic drinks. Retail can also reopen as of 6am on Friday, which will be a welcome boost to our local businesses ahead of the weekend.
Stick to the FACTS
“This is great news after a period of effective lockdown and while I would urge all residents to embrace this slight easing of restrictions to support the local economy, I would also encourage them to do so with kindness and patience at the forefront of their minds.
“In the highly likely event of a flurry of footfall to local businesses this weekend, please make sure you continue to stick to physical distancing rules, wear a face covering, and above all, be kind to each other.”
Residents can familiarise themselves with what this change means for travel, socialising and hospitality, by visiting the Scottish Government website.
Changes to Stirling Council services will be listed on our Coronavirus landing page