Non-essential shops reopen as lockdown restrictions ease in Scotland
Shops in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders will reopen their doors on Monday as lockdown restrictions continue to ease in Scotland.
Earlier this month Nicola Sturgeon announced that non-essential shops of any size will be able to reopen on June 29 provided they have outdoor entrances and exits.
The news had staff eager to get back to business after being forced to close for more than three months due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Despite the step forward, shoppers should be prepared for outlets to have different layouts and features, such as one-way aisles and plexiglass at cash desks.
Shops of any size that meet the government’s requirements can get back to work this week – previously officials had suggested only small shops would be permitted to reopen in phase two.
But the restrictions still require stores to have outdoor entrances and exits.
This means those within indoor shopping centres cannot reopen, except for those considered essential like supermarkets and pharmacists.
The rest are preparing to reopen their doors in phase three.
Economy secretary Fiona Hyslop said: “Being able to reopen our non-essential retail businesses with necessary safety measures in place is a positive step forward in easing the coronavirus lockdown in Scotland.
“We each have an important role in ensuring we shop with care and consideration for others, and that rules are adhered to in a responsible manner.”