Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Resigns After Breaking Lockdown Rule

Scotland’s chief medical officer Catherine Calderwood has resigned after breaching the UK lockdown by visiting her second home.

Dr. Calderwood had been photographed by The Scottish Sun visiting her holiday home on the east coast of the country over the weekend – and she has admitted it was the second time she had done so during the lockdown.

Earlier today it was announced she would no longer attend press briefings after twice visiting her second home while advising the public to stay indoors.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon defended Dr Calderwood during Sunday’s press briefing, but subsequently confirmed the chief medic would not attend future press conferences.

Following that decision, Dr Calderwood issued her resignation. In a statement, she said: “I am deeply sorry for my actions and the mistakes I have made.

“The First Minister and I have had a further conversation this evening and we have agreed that the justifiable focus on my behaviour risks becoming a distraction from the hugely important job that government and the medical profession has to do in getting the country through this coronavirus pandemic.

Having worked so hard on the government’s response, that is the last thing I want,” Dr Calderwood added.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon praised Dr Calderwood for providing advice to her and to the Scottish government over the past few weeks, and stressed that the advice was right: “People should continue to stay at home to protect the NHS and to save lives.”

However, Ms Sturgeon said: “It is however clear that the mistake she made – even though she has apologised sincerely and honourably for it – risks distracting from and undermining confidence in the government’s public health message at this crucial time. That is not a risk either of us is willing to take.”