BORDERS golfers and anglers should be allowed to return to action, according to Rachael Hamilton.

The Conservative MSP says she has written to the Scottish Government in a bid to get restrictions lifted on outdoor activities.

Mrs Hamilton said shooting and angling are among the activities which make an "immense contribution" to the rural economy.

She said: "Outdoor sports, such as golfing, hiking and fishing, could take place with the necessary social distancing measures and it would not jeopardise the government’s efforts in tackling this pandemic."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced last week that residents in England can return to certain outdoor pursuits, including tennis and golf.

But the Scottish Government has decided to retain the 'stay at home' message, while now allowing people to exercise more than once a day.

Mrs Hamilton, who represents Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire, says she has written to the Scottish cabinet secretary for rural economy and tourism, Fergus Ewing

Mrs Hamilton, the shadow secretary, said: "We currently have an extraordinary situation in my constituency, around Coldstream, where people can happily fish in the English half of the River Tweed, whilst anglers in Scotland can only watch on from the Scottish side, where fishing is still not permitted at this time.

"By their nature, outdoor-based sports see participants spread out, whether over a hillside, across an open space or along a river.

"In the Borders and across rural Scotland, the angling and shooting industry needs to have clarity so it can plan for the new season.

"I urge the Scottish Government to rethink its restrictions, given the nature of these sports, and the immense contribution they make to our rural economy."