Moray MP Douglas Ross has urged people to remember the Covid-19 guidelines as they celebrate Hogmanay this year.

Restrictions were eased from December 23-27 across the UK to allow people to travel around the country. While government advice strongly advised people to stay at home, it was permitted by law to gather in ‘bubbles’ of up to three households at Christmas.

However, the same rules do not apply for Hogmanay or New Year’s Day, with local restrictions in place as before.

While Moray remains at a low tier in terms of restrictions, it does mean that people should not be staging large gatherings, visiting other households or travelling to other parts of the country where tougher restrictions are in place.

Scottish Conservative MP for Moray Douglas Ross said:

“All parts of the UK reached an agreement to allow families to safely gather and for people to visit their loved ones over Christmas – even though the advice remained to keep any gathering to a minimum.

“As we approach Hogmanay and New Year’s Day, we all must remember to stick to the guidelines as before.

“There are no special arrangements in place for Hogmanay or New Year, which will mean a very different experience compared to what people are used to.

“There can certainly be no large gatherings, first-footing around multiple homes or travelling to other parts of the country.

“Public health officials are expecting cases to rise across the country after the relaxation during Christmas week, so it is important that we all stick to the rules as we approach January.

“That said, I wish everyone in Moray a Happy New Year when it comes and I hope that we can all look forward to a better year ahead.”