I agree with Paul and think the guidance is pretty clear - maybe not perfect but certainly clear enough - even though I'm disappointed I'm limited to staying within around 5 miles.
As for mountain rescue, I have no problem with teams 1. continuing to provide a rescue service, and 2. following government guidance, which is what appears to be the case in your example above.
I haven't seen anything about the 5 mile limit not applying to rural communities in official guidance - do you have a source for that?
Yup agree.
It’s disappointing, as obviously many of us want to return to the hills, but these are strange days. And we’ll only get out of this mess if we pull together and co-operate.
There isn’t a 5-mile limit. 5 miles is a suggestion.
For me, heading to the hills, whether that be towards the borders or towards the highlands, would mean a 50-mile drive or more. Clearly 50 miles is not staying local, and well outside the suggested 5-mile limit.
I think it’s worth bearing in mind that funerals at this time are still socially distanced – many people are unable to attend the funerals of family and friends. These are exceptional times.
The guidelines on travel can be found here;
https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-phase-2-staying-safe-and-protecting-others/pages/travel/As a guide, rather than a fixed limit, our advice is that 5 miles from your home would be within your local area.