Rural Payments and Services

On May 1st the First Minister announced a further expansion of coronavirus (COVID-19) testing in Scotland.

As part of the new measures a number of Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) will be located in towns across Scotland for short periods of time.

As of May 18th, testing is for people who are symptomatic and over the age of 5 years old, as well as household members of those experiencing symptoms. The symptoms have been recently updated by the four UK chief medical officers and now include;

• A new continuous cough
• A fever
• Anosmia (a loss or changed sense of normal smell or taste)

Individuals will need to self-isolate immediately if they develop any of the above symptoms. All members of their household must also self-isolate according to current guidelines, unless the symptomatic individual receives a negative test result.

Tests can be booked through the UK Government’s on-line system if you are a key worker or live with one. If not you can book a test through the NHS website.

Tests will be conducted at five regional drive-through test sites in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Inverness and Perth and at mobile test sites. If you cannot access the online booking portal then please call 0300 303 2713.

There are also a limited number of home testing kits available for those who cannot make it to a testing site. Testing priority will continue to be given to those who are key workers, and can be secured by booking through an employer. For more information on testing visit gov.scot.

Please note that this schedule is subject to change in dates and operating hours - to see the most up to date locations of your nearest MTUs you should check the booking portal. When you go through the booking process you will be asked for your home postcode and a list of your nearest test sites will be displayed.