We can not ignore the economic consequences though, because the more extreme these get the greater the damage that will be done to both physical and mental health going forward and there is plenty of evidence in various parts of Scotland as to how profound and long lasting the effects of severe economic dislocation can be.
I saw reports this morning that Scotland is facing an economic contraction of 25% - IIRC >10% over 2 or more quarters is often considered the definition of an economic depression. I wonder to what extent even that horrendous figure could be a significant under estimate for rural areas such as the Highlands and Islands?
I know a good number of people who move between seasonal jobs and they have basically fallen through all of the government's proposed safety nets so far, this won't just be an issue in rural Scotland but in various parts of the country with a big visitor based sector. The Scottish Ski Areas had a very poor start to the season, when the snow did come, storms practically wiped out February half term before the snow and weather was finally coming together in March only for them to have to close because of Coronavirus. They can't recover the lost time in the summer, its not at all clear all of them will be there next season either. There are many people in outdoor activities or various parts of the tourism sectors that would have started jobs this month that fall through the critera furlough scheme.
There will be a good number of businesses in the West Highlands that the peak walking season the West Highland Way is very important to and that will be wiped out entirely, its basically from Easter through to late June for by far the busiest period - the time you might call BM - Before Midges! Even if things start to open up in the summer, like the ski areas their most important period of the year once lost can't be reclaimed later in the year. There is also the issue of businesses struggling to hold on long enough to receive furlough grants to whom there is no chance of getting loans or overdrafts from a bank when they've just lost their main trading period and their future income is heavily dependent on things entirely outwith their control such as the Scottish weather!
There must be a lot of people and companies in various parts of the British Isles facing similar issues with the support schemes that have been setup. If ever there was a time for a basic income or guaranteed minimum income for every citizen it is now, at a time where people need help now simplicity is key and a basic income for all looks the simplest and fairest, no means testing, no questions - those that don't need it, well it will effectively be reclaimed through the tax system anyway.
Originally Posted by: haggishunter