MOST Scots are uncomfortable about using public transport again as lockdown restrictions are eased, a new survey has revealed.

The research also found that a majority of people in Scotland are uncomfortable about the prospect of holidaying abroad and returning to pubs and restaurants.

The Survation poll of more 1000 Scots for the charity Advice Direct Scotland, which runs the national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, comes ahead of the introduction of mandatory face coverings on public transport from today. Pubs and restaurants remain closed as it stands.

The results show that 44% of Scots are uncomfortable about non-essential shopping, but people are more comfortable about going to their place of work.

Just under a third (32%) of Scots are comfortable about returning to bars and restaurants, according to the study, while 67% are uncomfortable about using public transport.

Spanish officials announced yesterday that people from the UK will be able to visit without having to quarantine from Sunday, but two-thirds of Scots said they wouldn’t be relaxed about the prospect of holidaying abroad.

Advice Direct Scotland chief executive Andrew Bartlett said: “These findings show that many Scots are uncomfortable about elements of lockdown easing, particularly using public transport and returning to pubs and restaurants.

“The Scottish Government advice is very clear and people should follow the guidelines to ensure they stay safe, including wearing face coverings on public transport. But it remains a deeply uncertain and worrying time for both consumers and businesses, and our service is constantly being updated to provide free, impartial and practical advice.”

Advice Direct Scotland has launched a dedicated coronavirusadvice.scot service to deliver that “free, impartial and practical advice” amid the ongoing crisis.