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School finished on Friday here in West Lothian, not sure about anywhere else. Thank god we got a Switch for mini-punks xmas otherwise the next 4 weeks would have been a living nightmare (as long as it works)
Stirling (and others) still supposed to be at school until Wednesday.
13 year old daughter will (for a change) want to go to school for the next couple of days to see her friends (been isolating since thursday which is a lifetime at that age!).
Good call from ScotGov, try and get ahead of the game this time, it'll be really interesting to see where they go with the cross border travel and enforcement.
The 5 days was a bonkers idea in the first place.
We have been looking at ways to ensure that we have the capacity to offer online learning. The hybrid with 50% in and 50% out is very difficult.
However, if plans remain as is, we will be retuning straight into an assessment block for N5/H/AH. Everything is up in the air again. For the right reasons though.
Our youngest is in 3rd year and was told yesterday that there will be no teaching next week, they will stay in registration groups to avoid mixing.
We aren’t asking him to go to school, waste of time and resource. He can help me look after the pup 😁
Yeah we're similar Iain, at high school anyway, I get the impression that the teachers don't really want them there.
Son is more concerned about big tests which were planned for 11th to 18th week.
In Secondary we a re trying to reduce mixing as much as possible. If this means 3 classes of 4 pupils, than so be it. It reduces the risk of infection being spread on our watch. 4 further potential infections is preferable to 12.
We were going to send both boys to school next week - S1 and S3.
That's changed - they can stay at home if they wish.
Thump (S3) can ride his bike in the big wide world with me.
His entire social life of basketball, baskeball and more basketball has been pretty much destroyed since March.
Thud (S1) has only just returned to school after isolation and the only thing he enjoys is PE so can kick a ball in the street with me.
All they did the last few days was watch videos. Half the classes are missing (isolation) as are half the teachers.
As of last week we’ve got a terminally ill family member who should be coming up (from Essex, just for further confusion) to spend what looks to be his last Christmas with us and, more importantly, our wee ones. He should be staying at my parents and we’d visit for a couple of days. This seems to be the point where I’m thinking that they get ****ed with the rules, just hoping he feels the same! (Although I do understand there is room for compassionate visits, but it seems pretty vague at best)
Mini_oab is now isolating after desk-mate is the one that tested positive on Tuesday. We were already thinking hard about not sending him.
@LD - lots of teaching online next week, it might not be worth it.
Crispin, love the young yins nicknames!
Seems the Highlands is also Tier4 from Boxing Day.
This means no travelling to the hills or overnight stays away from home.. 🙁
Makes sense, this isn't about current levels, it's to arrest the spread of what may be a more virulent variant.
The lifting of the travel ban for 5 days over Xmas would've seen a huge movement of people to the usual places.
Seems the Highlands is also Tier4 from Boxing Day.
Yeah, we've just been talking about this. We had plans to pop away in the campervan for a few days around New Year. No plans to leave the region (which still gives us lots of scope!) but not sure such a trip feels "right".
Lots of tourists an Aviemore from today. I hope they all have plans to skedaddle on Christmas Day given that holiday accommodation will be closed from 26th.
So if I want to go biking on the Roseisle I need to do it before the 26th (I’m in highland) right?
But I still can travel, to say, Aviemore to cycle?
Bit of a jump form 1 to 4 (but I get that it needs to mainland wide).
So if I want to go biking on the Roseisle I need to do it before the 26th (I’m in highland) right?
But I still can travel, to say, Aviemore to cycle?
Sort of. Seems the general "guidance" is still to avoid non-essential travel.
Crispin, love the young yins nicknames
That's the noises Crispin was making falling off his bike while they were being born.
Matt hope MrsOAB is managing to keep away from mini.
Shetland; still at school next Monday and Tuesday and yes he's going (S1) . He has some friends who's parents have said they can stay off.
So, now back on 11th or 18th. I'm still WFH so at least no logistics issues for us.
No cases here for a month BTW.
Not listening to this pish,..they can get ****ed
Matt hope MrsOAB is managing to keep away from mini.
The house is too small to avoid, plus we spent 3 days next to each other before the announcement from school. It is what it is.
dumbbot....very apt moniker
They waited too long to change the schools going back. Lots of schools have already stopped. On the plus side longer holiday for me 😀
No plans to leave the region (which still gives us lots of scope!) but not sure such a trip feels “right”.
We've just been discussing similar. We had a few day trips planned.
Now looking back at the Stirling and Trossachs map....
My two will be going in on Monday and Tuesday. Me and the wife are keyworkers and we have no childcare within our area.
Hopefully they’ll be able to access school or a hub after the holidays.
We're on holiday now and I'm not doing anything until term starts. I'm knackered most staff are at the ragged edge.
Did she say staff back on 4th? If so that's another day of holidays lost. I'm supportive of scotgov measure but as a person broken.
It's a big kick in the bollix, but the ignorant will be all heading to their Christmas parties regardless ,they read on Facebook that the new strain is all fake news anyway. All hail the third wave 🙁
dumbbot
Free MemberNot listening to this pish,..they can get ****
"They" being everyone except you, and possibly also you.
No plans to leave the region (which still gives us lots of scope!) but not sure such a trip feels “right
Tier 4 guidance is:
- you should also keep journeys within the area to an absolute minimum.
That rules out almost any kind of driving to reach the great outdoors, no?
Ours finished yesterday but our daughter had been isolating because one of her class mates tested positive but we didn't put her back as most of S1 was off and all 4 kids stayed at home Thursday and Friday. Looks like they will be doing google classroom stuff from the 11th until at least the 18th so they could be at home for long enough.
Tier 4 guidance is:
you should also keep journeys within the area to an absolute minimum.
That rules out almost any kind of driving to reach the great outdoors, no?
I would say that its food shopping, caring for someone and medical stuff only .... no doubt missed something out
The same exercise exemption applies for tier 4:
"The regulations prohibit travel without a reasonable excuse into or out of a Level 3 or 4 local authority area, or between Scotland and other parts of the Common Travel Area (currently England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Jersey and County Donegal in the Republic of Ireland). The regulations list a range of different things for which travel is permitted. Guidance on those is set out below. But please remember that it is important for everyone’s safety that we all minimise such travel as much as possible."
"local outdoor informal exercise such as walking, cycling, golf, or running (in groups of up to 6 people, plus any children under 12, from no more than 2 households) that starts and finishes at the same place (which can be up to 5 miles from the boundary of your local authority area)"
But does keep the "minimise such travel as much as possible" which seems kinda incompatible tbh
Anyway, the most important part of this latest announcement is that the area north of Perth is now part of the mainland. Might catch out quite a few mail order shops...
Did she say staff back on 4th? If so that’s another day of holidays lost. I’m supportive of scotgov measure but as a person broken.
From her briefing
For the children of key workers – such as nurses in our hospitals – schools will open as previously scheduled. They will also open as normal for the most vulnerable children.
All teachers will also return to work as scheduled and as planned.
For the majority of pupils, however, the holiday period is being extended until 11th January.
Starting on that date, learning will be online until at least 18th January.
“minimise such travel as much as possible”
I'm happy to.
Edit: I'm not really, but I will.
I can't tell you how sad I am that we will not be spending crimbo at our Aviemore ski lodge,damn shame and we have had to sack the staff at such short notice.
There's always another 7 weeks...
Asked on the main thread but didn't get a response...
I'm in a household bubble with my folks, and I'd planned to avoid contact with everyone for 10 days prior so I could stay with them for a few days over Christmas period.
I know chrimbo bubbles have now been binned past Christmas day, however my assumptions that is that social bubbles are still fine?
Is that everyone else's understanding?
I know chrimbo bubbles have now been binned past Christmas day, however my assumptions that is that social bubbles are still fine?
Is that everyone else’s understanding?
Not quite sure what you mean, but this might answer your question:
https://twitter.com/jasonleitch/status/1340416635165945859?s=20
Cheers, that's exactly what i was asking about and that post confirms all is still good to visit my mum. The last 5 days spend in isolation eating beans rather than go to the shop has not been in vain
I'm off to make a little fort in the spare room, give me a shout when it's all over.
The thread title kind of needs changed. Angus in till Angus, but as above;loads will not be sending their kids in if they have a plan B.
Anyway, the most important part of this latest announcement is that the area north of Perth is now part of the mainland. Might catch out quite a few mail order shops…
Ha ha, I can't wait for the reduced shipping costs 😉
Whilst I'm not happy with going from tier 1 to 4 I understand the need. I just hope it works.
Whilst I’m not happy with going from tier 1 to 4 I understand the need.
On a personal level that doesn't really make much difference to me but feel sorry for the businesses/jobs.
On a professional level it has potential to be a PITA depending on what school/authority want us to do.
I would like to just stick to my timetable and teach proper online lessons at the regular time. The system we used last time of posting up work for pupils to complete independently disastrous. No guarantee this would be any better but it's worth a go.
A local outbreak hit the news yesterday. Seven "entertainers" at the Macdonald Resort. They are up from Newcastle area apparently, playing Santa and his elves. 😁
Lol! 'Hospitality doesn't cause the spread!' 😳😆
I would like to just stick to my timetable and teach proper online lessons at the regular time. The system we used last time of posting up work for pupils to complete independently disastrous. No guarantee this would be any better but it’s worth a go.
This. Not sure why there is a need to do online learning rather than online teaching. Google Classroom for the last few years all through the council schools and they still aren't providing online classes. No need for kids cameras to be on, just the teacher teaching as they would in the class at the same time as the timetable.
Looking forward to a week with no kids and getting hee haw done as management make a complete cluster of what we need to do.
can't be any worse than the mess they made of the "exams"
I would like to just stick to my timetable and teach proper online lessons at the regular time. The system we used last time of posting up work for pupils to complete independently disastrous. No guarantee this would be any better but it’s worth a go.
Spin - I'd agree from the other side of the experience. The justification that the primary school gave last year was they couldn't be sure every child has a device they could watch an online lesson on. Whilst I do get that, and there will I am sure be a minority that don't, I think its got to be a tiny fraction where I am sure the council could work something out (a kindle fire pro tablet is about £90).
Lol! ‘Hospitality doesn’t cause the spread!’
Indeed - you can just look at the areas in Scotland where numbers were increasing v's where they were falling and there's a clear correlation to areas where hospitality is open. Of course correlation may not = causation and it may be about the messaging and interpretation to the wider population (if the pubs open then why can't I meet my friend in my house) but whilst I have a lot of sympathy for the hospitality sector I think they are deluded if they believe there is no association - especially when drink is involved.
Indeed – you can just look at the areas in Scotland where numbers were increasing v’s where they were falling and there’s a clear correlation to areas where hospitality is open. Of course correlation may not = causation
I'd say on first glance you would be wrong, there have been no pubs open in North Ayrshire for months now. Not real ones anyway. Summer houses, sorry, man caves with makeshift bars that half the town come to on the other hand...
The justification that the primary school gave last year was they couldn’t be sure every child has a device they could watch an online lesson on
All our pupils have Chromebooks so that's not an issue. It can't lead to worse engagement than during the last closure especially if we couple it with taking a register.
My worry is that either school/authority will cook up something else or the unions will be difficult about it.
At least it shouldn't be for long although I expect it will be longer that the initial week.
The Chromebooks were a pain this term. We cannot circulate to make sure that they are being correctly used.
Engagement pretty reasonable last time, but fed up with clowns sending in blanks so that they registered as having completed. Or so they thought.
Not going in as part time, but we are operating in registration classes to reduce moving about the building. There is no encouragement to attend for older pupils.... those not self isolating that is.
I’m going with 9-12 week minimum lockdown!!
The Chromebooks were a pain this term. We cannot circulate to make sure that they are being correctly used
I just put my mask on if I needed to wander round the class. With good ventilation I don't really see how that is any riskier than standing at the front without a mask.
Dang, I was just getting back into weightlifting at the gym and a 3 month bulking up, got to the end of the leg machine today:
Looks like I'll be back on restricted calories and muchos cardio.
Other than that, being unemployed and living by myself, this new lockdown doesn't make much difference. Guess I'll be seeing more of the Pentlands.
I’d say on first glance you would be wrong, there have been no pubs open in North Ayrshire for months now. Not real ones anyway. Summer houses, sorry, man caves with makeshift bars that half the town come to on the other hand…
Big outbreak at the religious superschool is inflating the north ayrshire numbers, and tbh it was bloody daft not putting NA in tier 4 along with the other 2 shires, there was very little in it numbers wise.
Saying that, east ayrshire numbers going up not far behind ya.
**** knows.
All our pupils got iPads. Classroom app allowed (note past tense) us to see screen, lock iPads, and lock them into a given app, as well as drop work onto them.
App no longer works.
How letter of the law are folk planning on being with travelling for exercising in your own authority up in the boonies?
Live in Highland authority but close to Moray (where I work). I'd usually surf sup in Moray, a 20 min drive from home. Sod and his laws look like Boxing day is going to be a goodun. Alternative location (actually works in different conditions so slightly mute point for boxing day) is more than an hour away but in the Highlands. The two lochs we usually swim in - the one 16 min drive away is out of the Highland authority whilst the other is an hour away and in the authority. Common sense says stay closer to home and break the authority boarder bit of the rules.
We are talking about two authorities with currently a 20 and 22 per 100,000 rate respectively but joining the groovy gang in tier 4 for shits and giggles.
I'll be sticking to south ayrshire, tbh it suits at this time of year, got some good hill walking in north Galloways, and I've been riding locally all year and am used to it now.
Common sense says stay closer to home and break the authority boarder bit of the rules.
This.
Our son is up with us as part of our/his extended household (not just a Christmas bubble) over the Christmas period. As we’re going into tier 4 at midnight on Christmas Day, can he go home to England after that or is he stuck here until restrictions ease? I thought I knew how this all worked but I’m starting to doubt myself now and I really don’t want to be responsible for him losing his job.
crewlie, I'm not sure he should have come up given the current restrictions. Certainly cross border travel is not being encouraged at the moment.
Every chance he came up before Saturdays announcement though, to be fair.
I'd seek some advice and more importantly get him talking to his hr team at work.
crewlie, I’m not sure he should have come up given the current restrictions. Certainly cross border travel is not being encouraged at the moment.
But cross border for work is still ok isn't? As I read it Crewlie's son is part of the family bubble and lives alone near work in England. Returning to work in England after Christmas (and live on his ok again) sounds ok.
If he does not live alone in England however (i.e. even if it's a shared house with other tenants/friends living together rather than a partner), he probably should not be in your house right now and should not have returned before Christmas itself........
I might have been missing something but , and I shouldn't look at these things, there was a load of photos from some geezer of Santa in George Sq last night with loads, and I mean LOADS of kids and adults. Not a mask to be seen, no social distancing whatsoever. Now I understand why its a bit of a mess on the W Coast. Genuinely flabbergasted by it. Loads of comments that are basically "It's a big hoax look we didn;t die"
Far out.
Thanks all. He does live on his own, and hasn’t been part of any other bubble. So far everything has been within guidance as far as I can tell, but he didn’t know the new changes were going to happen when he came up.
Should be ok to return then.
Anyone still planning on any bivvy action over the festive period? Was planning a wee night on a local corbett, don't really see much in new rules to change my plans?.
Local SEEMS to be fine;
If you live in a Level 4 local authority area you should:
you must, by law, remain within that area unless you have a reasonable excuse (see exceptions)
you should also keep journeys within the area to an absolute minimum
if you have to travel for essential purposes, you should follow the guidance on travelling safely
Only the first guideline mentions the law, as clear as mud as usual.
Anyone still planning on any bivvy action over the festive period? Was planning a wee night on a local corbett, don’t really see much in new rules to change my plans?
I don't either, I'm certainly planning some local overnights.
I'm Aberdeen City, am I allowed into Aberdeenshire to go MTB once we are all T4???
@grantyboy - you are allowed to travel to do so as long as your start point is no more than 5 miles from council border, and that your ride starts and finishes in the same place.
Do I get full marks for that answer?
I've tried to answer as a challenge to myself to try and get it right. We had a FACTS question in our pals zoom pub quiz and I couldn't even get that right!
Have a bonus mince pie! That was my thoughts as well, I can dip into the shire but not go ahem deep into it
get in! 😆
Funnily enough I was checking out council boundaries yesterday. It hadn't really clicked that Aberdeenshire includes Ben Macdui and that Moray includes Cairngorm and Loch Avon.
aye the cut over is Lecht ski center, half is on Aberdeenshire other half is Moray
you are allowed to travel to do so as long as your start point is no more than 5 miles from council border, and that your ride starts and finishes in the same place.
That's not how it reads to me. I read it as whilst on your exercise you can dip into another authority upto a max of 5miles. Not that you could start from 5 miles inside.
I’d say on first glance you would be wrong, there have been no pubs open in North Ayrshire for months now. Not real ones anyway.
Hospitality is not just = pubs though. Pubs being open is not the whole story though. North Ayrshire never went to Level 4 in November - so cafes, pubs (serving food not booze), restaurants were open during the day (until 6pm).
That’s not how it reads to me. I read it as whilst on your exercise you can dip into another authority upto a max of 5miles. Not that you could start from 5 miles inside.
Pretty sure that's incorrect. I think the idea was to give some flexibility to those in the larger, urban areas, allowing them to get into somewhere a bit more "remote" and reduce pressure of numbers in some hotspots like city-centre parks.
^^^ scotroutes is correct. I researched this a bit, as home is just in South Lanarkshire but with East Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire within a couple of miles. My lockdown staple riding is Whitlelee Windfarm, which I can either ride to and around, or if weather and roads not good, drive the 5 miles to the start and end point, in East Ren, and then ride for a couple of hours, all within a 10 mile radius of the start point and extending into all 3 counties.
It hadn’t really clicked that Aberdeenshire includes Ben Macdui and that Moray includes Cairngorm and Loch Avon.
Yes, just north of Ben Macdui up towards Cairn Lochan, an area I am yet to stand on in anything other that a white out, you can get lost in 3 authorities at the same time while turning around and around asking yourself where all the landmarks have gone.