Tourism in East Lothian has been impacted by Covid-19 lockdown, says MP

LAST weekend’s Bank Holiday would normally have seen East Lothian’s beaches crowded and towns and countryside thronged with visitors. But, sadly, these aren’t normal times and, given the risks to so many, a lockdown there needs to be.

It’s come, though, at a huge cost to the tourism and hospitality sector. The county’s rightly popular not just for its attractions and facilities but because it’s got something for every pocket. As well as being accessible for day visitors, its accommodation for holidaymakers extends from B&Bs through holiday parks to top-end hotels.

All, though, are feeling the pressure.

Despite financial support packages, many find themselves outwith them due to their rateable value or through other exclusions.

Of course, it’s the same for many other sectors but tourism’s important for the county with it reckoned to be 20 per cent of the local economy and providing considerable employment, some seasonal but much permanent.

Other businesses from bars and cafes, to shops and restaurants benefit from the additional footfall it brings.

It’s especially hard as the lockdown has come when many were coming out of the winter season and had been relying on the coming warmer climate financially.

Planning for the eventual, even partial, lifting in lockdown is, though, ongoing. Discussions are being had with owners and operators.

As thoughts have turned to the “social bubble” of adults being able to meet with family, albeit still socially distancing from others, it may allow owners to return to holiday parks.

This could be a prelude to holidaymakers then returning as well, though bars and restaurants may still well require remaining closed for some time to come.

It needs planned and can only commence when it’s safe to do so but it’ll be for the benefit of us all not just operators or owners.