The Scottish First Minister confirmed on 9 July, 2020 that Scotland is able to enter Phase 3 of the route map through and out of the pandemic. This is possible due to the low prevalence of the virus in Scotland, however it was stressed that the danger has not gone away. As a result, significant emphasis is being placed on people following the FACTS guidance outlined below. Phase 3 will be implemented incrementally and may well last more than 3 weeks given the number of changes involved.

The key guidance for over 18s is summarised here. For detailed guidance please visit https://www.gov.scot/collections/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance/

Outdoor group size limitations	Indoor group size limitations	Protections	Distancing
A maximum of 15 people, including the trainer and candidates from up to four other households, can participate in a session. NOTE: Trainers should not deliver training to more than 4 households at any one time or provide coaching to more than 4 households per day.	A maximum of 8 people, including the trainer and candidates from up to two other households, can participate in a session.	Physical distancing requirements in place. Frequent handwashing and hygiene measures for all. Cough etiquette is maintained. Face coverings in enclosed public spaces. No unnecessary sharing of equipment. Non-contact activity.	2m
Travel	Toilets and Car Parking	Accommodation	Camping (including wild camping)
No restrictions - public transport has reduced capacity.	Some remain closed, check before you travel.	All holiday accommodation permitted (following relevant guidance) – 15 July. NOTE: indoor group size limitations apply.	See accommodation. Please observe SOAC and Leave No Trace principles and any local restrictions/advice on wild camping.

NOTE: There is currently no indication when climbing walls may re-open. Our understanding is that climbing walls are in the same ‘category’ as indoor gyms – an update will be provided by the Scottish Government on 30 July. Dates for implementation may be later but will not be announced before 31 July.

As and when climbing walls open, Mountain Training Scotland providers can resume running those courses that require climbing walls with immediate effect.

To stay safe, to protect others and to save lives please remember the FACTS:

• Face coverings in enclosed spaces
• Avoid crowded places
• Clean your hands and surfaces regularly
• Two-metre social distancing
• Self-isolate and book a test if you develop coronavirus symptoms

Following discussion with the network of approved providers, Mountain Training Scotland has considered the updated Scottish Government guidance and think it is now possible for providers to deliver a limited range of Mountain Training personal skills training and qualification courses in Scotland, subject to Scottish Government restrictions and public health measures as detailed here.

The national Mountain Training organisations’ Covid19 framework for decision making outlines our principles by which we expect providers to make any decision on whether to go ahead with a course. Our guidance on safe practice in the outdoors issued to Mountain Training Association members and updated guidance from the Association of Mountaineering Instructors may also prove useful for both providers and candidates.

Providers are responsible for mitigating the risks to staff, candidates and the general public during course delivery and will need to have satisfied their own risk assessment about Covid 19. Candidates need to be prepared to adopt the safeguarding measures which will be required for responsible course/workshop delivery and we encourage candidates to engage with the provider to ensure they understand any control measures and can discuss any concerns they may have.

A cautious approach will be necessary to both limit the spread of infection and respect local community sentiment. As such, providers and their associated course directors and staff should take note of local information and advice from organisations such as their own membership organisations (AMI, BAIML, BMG and MTA), Mountaineering Scotland, National Park Authorities, and Scottish Mountain Rescue. We have every trust and faith in you, our providers and candidates, that you will consider the reputation of our sector and act accordingly.

Phase 3 Specific Scheme Adaptations – Scotland only

Walking Leadership schemes

The following training and assessment courses can be delivered from the 10 July 2020 with the following additional provisos, where for those syllabus topics where realistic training cannot be undertaken, for example due to physical distancing restrictions or low ratios, a detailed action plan must be provided and candidates are made aware of this restriction at the time of booking.

• Lowland Leader
• Hill and Moorland Leader

The following training and assessment courses can be delivered from the 15 July 2020 with the following additional provisos, where for those syllabus topics where realistic training cannot be undertaken, for example due to physical distancing restrictions or low ratios, a detailed action plan must be provided and candidates are made aware of this restriction at the time of booking.

• Mountain Leader
• Expedition skills module

Climbing Leadership and Instruction schemes

The following training and assessment courses can be delivered from the 10 July 2020 with the following additional proviso, where for those syllabus topics where realistic training cannot be undertaken, for example due to physical distancing restrictions or low ratios, a detailed action plan must be provided and candidates are made aware of this restriction at the time of booking.

• Rock Climbing Instructor outdoor reassessments and dedicated training course for candidates who have attended a Climbing Wall Instructor (or Climbing Wall Award) training or assessment.
• Rock Climbing Development Instructor

As climbing walls remain closed the following training and assessment courses cannot be delivered:

• Indoor Climbing Assistant
• Climbing Wall Instructor and Abseil Module
• Climbing Wall Development Instructor
• Rock Climbing Instructor (see exception above).

NOTE: There is currently no indication when climbing walls may re-open. Our understanding is climbing walls are in the same ‘category’ as indoor gyms – an update will be provided by the Scottish Government on 30 July. Dates for implementation may be later but will not be announced before 31 July. Once this detail is known MTS will review the situation regarding running the above climbing courses. As and when climbing walls open MTS Providers can resume running those courses that require climbing walls with immediate effect.

Personal Skills Training Schemes

The following personal skills training courses can be delivered from the 10 July 2020:

• Hill Skills
• Mountain Skills
• Rock Skills Introduction
• Rock Skills Intermediate
• Rock Skills learn to Lead Sport
• Rock Skills Learn to Lead Trad