Perth and Kinross residents have been urged to “play their part” in helping the region exit level 3 as heightened restrictions continue to cause havoc among the hospitality sector.
Council chief executive Karen Reid made the plea as Kinloch House in Blairgowrie became the latest hotel in the region to confirm it would not reopen before the end of the year .
It follows similar annoucements from Gleneagles and Crieff Hydro last week.
The Atholl Arms Hotel in Dunkeld has also said it will remain closed until restrictions are lifted.
Staff at the Bunker Golf Lounge in Perth posting pictures of themselves pouring away beer stock shortly after Tuesday’s announcement that the local authority would remain in level three until the next review date,
The restrictions include a ban on the sale of alcohol in cafes, bars or restaurants while people can now only meet outdoors in groups of six from a maximum of two households.
Ms Reid said the council area was moved to level three after a rise in cases across the local authority and wider Tayside region and urged people to follow public health guidance on hand washing, face coverings and physical distancing.
She said: “We all want to get back to lower restrictions as soon as possible but the only way we can do that, and the only way that it will happen, is if we all play our part.”
The chief executive also urged businesses affected by the new restrictions to apply for grants from the strategic business framework fund on the council’s website.
Depute First Minister John Swinney said Covid-19 was still “a significant threat” within communities.
The SNP MSP for Perthshire North said: “There are early signs of progress across Perth and Kinross.
“This is a testament to the sacrifices of the public, and I am hugely thankful for their efforts.
“Should this progress continue, the Scottish Government is hopeful that we can revert to level 2, thus affording us all more freedoms.
“As evidenced by the moving of several local authority areas to level 4, we will regrettably have to continue to make tough sacrifices in our efforts to suppress this virus.”
A spokesperson for Kinloch House Hotel said: “Sadly after the news of Perth and Kinross entering Tier 3 we have taken the decision to close our doors once again for November and December.
“It is our priority that we keep all our customers and staff safe over this unprecedented time.
“We will be opening our doors again for Hogmanay and look forward to welcoming all our wonderful guests back then for a special evening.”
