Local leaders welcome Scottish Government schools U-turn however worries remain

John Swinney, education secretary, made the announcement last week after significant progress was made in reducing incidence rates of the virus.

The assumption is now that pupils will return to classes as normal, as long as the virus continues to be suppressed. 

Mr Swinney said: “Since May, because of the efforts of ordinary people to stay at home, we have seen Scotland make significant progress. There are now only around 2,000 infectious people in Scotland – a reduction of around 90 per cent since May.

“There has been a sustained downward trend in Covid-19 deaths since the end of April 20-26, and intensive care cases now stand at a fraction of what they were.

“If we stay on track, if we all continue to do what is right, and if we can further suppress this terrible virus, then the government believes that we should prepare for children to be able to return to school full time from August.”

Jackie Baillie, Dumbarton MSP and deputy leader of Scottish Labour, welcomed the news because previous plan were no up to scratch.

She added: “These plans left parents wondering what the coming months would look like for themselves and their children.

"Teachers were put in the difficult position of not being able to deliver the level of teaching and support that they know their pupils need and pupils were being forced to continue to fend for themselves.”

Ross Greer, West Scotland MSP for the Scottish Greens, called for regular testing for parents and carers if schools return on a full time basis.

He said: “Regular testing of certain groups in other countries has been shown to significantly reduce infections.

"The education secretary confirmed that he was supportive of my proposal. With only a matter of weeks until schools return though, he must commit to make it a reality.

"Teachers deserve this reassurance before they return to the classroom.”