School meals cancelled by Highland Council after lock-down announcement by the government

Highland Council has cancelled school meals for Tuesday after the Scottish Government ordered the country into “lock down” over the spread of the coronavirus.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon issued the order which means that everyone must remain indoors unless their reason for leaving is essential.

Though people are permitted to exercise once a day there are three reasons to allow people outside – getting food or medicines, caring for someone, or seeking medical assistance.

A spokeswoman for Highland Council said: “In light of the UK and Scottish Government's decision tonight to begin a three-week lockdown in order to delay the spread of the coronavirus, the Highland Council has taken the decision to cancel the provision of school meals tomorrow.

“The current format of provision would involve staff and children gathering at school premises and this would go against national advice and directives.

“The Council's Strategic Group will consider the announcement first thing tomorrow morning and the implications this will have for the delivery of essential services and the provision of welfare and humanitarian aid in a way that complies with the Government's directive and protects life and our NHS services.

“More information will be issued once this important step has been discussed with our Local and regional resilience partners.”

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