Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Latest transport updates and news, as well as useful links to other websites for travel advice and information.
From Tuesday 5 January, mainland Scotland moved from Level 4 to a temporary lockdown, with new guidance to stay at home except for essential purposes. Some islands will remain at Level 3. Visit the Scottish Government website for more details.
You can find out what level applies to any area of Scotland via the postcode checker on the Scottish Government website.
Travelling during COVID-19
As we continue to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, it's important to stay up to date with travel advice.
From Tuesday 5 January, mainland Scotland moved from Level 4 to a temporary lockdown, with new guidance to stay at home except for essential purposes. Please visit the Scottish Government website for full details.
Scotland’s strategic framework
A five-level framework which will allow for a refreshed strategic approach to suppressing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreaks across Scotland was published on Friday 23 October.
The framework indicates different levels of protection that might be needed based on different levels of transmission for the virus. It will allow for rapid but proportionate responses on both a local and national basis using a transparent range of measures and options.
Read about Scotland's strategic framework in full
Protecting Scotland, Renewing Scotland
Ensuring Scotland’s economic, health, and social recovery from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is the focus of this year’s Programme for Government.
Speaking in Parliament, the First Minister said the Scottish Government would prioritise work to suppress the virus – building on its commitment to COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, and surveillance.
The COVID-19 response will be bolstered with the launch of Protect Scotland, a new proximity tracing app, later on in September. The app will add an additional means of notifying people that they may have been exposed to the virus and that they should isolate to prevent onward transmission.
The First Minister also set out the government’s plans for renewal while ensuring a green recovery is at the heart of the economic recovery, with job creation, support for health and wellbeing and work to tackle inequalities all high on the agenda.
Transport Transition Plan published
New guidance for passengers and operators in Scotland was announced on 26 May by Transport Secretary Michael Matheson, as part of the Transport Transition Plan.
Face coverings mandatory on public transport from 22 June
Face coverings will become mandatory on public transport from Monday 22 June, as part of operators’ preparations for progress towards recovery and to reduce the risk of transmission.
It will apply to all passengers and staff in public areas, although there will be exemptions especially for those who are not able to wear a face covering for specific medical reasons. Children under five will also be exempt.
Latest transport news
- Further £52.6 million to maintain bus services
- Further support for Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams
- £7 million to upgrade public, school and community transport
- Back to school travel
- Further £63 million to maintain bus services
- Ambitious plans to transform Scottish rail network unveiled
- Success for £30 million pop-up infrastructure initiative
- £10 million for pop-up bus priority infrastructure in Scotland
- Ferry travel advice
- Opportunity to change Scotland’s travel habits
- Emergency support for Glasgow Subway and Edinburgh Trams
- E-bikes to help charge Scotland’s green recovery
- £1.7 million in Cycling Friendly funding available in 2020
Latest news from the Scottish Government
15 January 2021
- Travel corridors suspended
- Expanding community testing for Covid-19
- More than £55 million paid in business support
14 January 2021
13 January 2021
12 January 2021
11 January 2021
- United Arab Emirates designated for public health quarantine
- Extending support for hospitality, retail and leisure
10 January 2021
8 January 2021
- Remote learning for schools
- College and university returns postponed
- Delivering Scotland’s green recovery
- Pre-departure coronavirus testing
7 January 2021
5 January 2021
4 January 2021
30 December 2020
28 December 2020
23 December 2020
- Ban on entry introduced for visitors from South Africa
- Community testing to be introduced from January
- Financial support for students
22 December 2020
21 December 2020
- Schools guidance
- Ministerial appointments support fight against pandemic
- £104 million tourism and hospitality lifeline
19 December 2020
18 December 2020
17 December 2020
16 December 2020
15 December 2020
14 December 2020
13 December 2020
11 December 2020
- Hospital and care home visiting update
- Reduction in self-isolation
- Extra funding for student associations
10 December 2020
9 December 2020
8 December 2020
- Staggered return to campus for university students
- First COVID-19 vaccinations in Scotland take place