Prince William, Kate Middleton given frosty reception in Scotland

As the royals headed north to thank frontline workers, Scotland’s First Minister reminded the pair of current travel restrictions.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have received a frosty pre-Christmas welcome from the Scottish nationalist government during a three-day train tour to thank coronavirus frontline workers.

The couple’s hearty dispensation of goodwill was interrupted by a bah-humbug from the First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

In tones rivalling those of Ebenzer Scrooge in a Christmas Carol, Ms Sturgeon curtly reminded Prince William and Kate there were currently restrictions in place to try and control the spread of coronavirus, restricting travel in Scotland except for work purposes.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge disembark the Royal train as they arrive at Edinburgh Waverley station. Picture: AFP

Ms Sturgeon said: “The Scottish government was advised about the intention to visit, and we made sure that the Royal household were aware, as you would expect, of the restrictions in place in Scotland so that could inform both the decision and the planning of the visit. Any more questions on that should be directed to the Royal household’’.

The chairman of Global Public Health at Edinburgh University Medical School, Professor Devi Sridhar, tweeted: ‘’Love it here but some things I will never understand about Britain. Aren’t we all in a pandemic & living under travel restrictions?’’

Love it here but some things I will never understand about Britain. Aren’t we all in a pandemic & living under travel restrictions? https://t.co/ECdtvPQ4jF

— Prof. Devi Sridhar (@devisridhar) December 7, 2020

Katrina Farrell, a haematologist with the National Health Service, also tweeted: “Absolutely do not understand why the #RoyalTrainTour is being allowed in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is in tier 3. No non essential travel into or out of region.

“Would @scotgov or @policescotland care to comment?”.

I absolutely do not understand why the #RoyalTrainTour is being allowed in Edinburgh. Edinburgh is in tier 3. No non essential travel into or out of region. Would @scotgov or @policescotland care to comment? pic.twitter.com/jwPcDTYkE6

— Dr Katrina Farrell (@farrell_katrina) December 7, 2020

But the Royal couple were greeted to a piper playing Christmas carols and a jaunty Jingle Bells at the Edinburgh Waverley train station and excited Scottish children were able to meet reindeer at an ambulance station.

There were no signs of police slapping the couple with a £60 fine each for crossing the border without a reasonable excuse.

William and Kate are in the midst of a tour around England, Scotland and Wales to thank frontline workers for their dedication during the pandemic as well as showcasing the UK’s cultural sector which has been decimated during this year’s succession of lockdowns.

Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Getty Images

Conservative MP in Scotland Murdo Fraser told the Herald Scotland: “It seems very petty to be criticising the Royal Family for wanting to thank Scottish NHS staff for their heroic efforts.

“Given that the First Minister had earlier visited NHS staff, presumably after travelling from her home to work too, it seems a bit odd that she didn’t back this trip and make it clear that it was within the rules.

“Rather than thanking William and Kate for the work they are doing to raise morale at these difficult times, the First Minister seems to be afraid of angering the republicans in her party, so she pandered to them instead.”