'Brighter days ahead' as hairdressers and garden centres to re-open from early April

Non-essential shops and hairdressers in Scotland will reopen next month, under proposals to ease the country’s coronavirus restrictions.

The First Minister announced further plans to lift measures this afternoon.

Speaking to the Scottish Parliament, she said: “This is the most optimistic I have felt for a long time, but the route back to normality does depend on suppressing the virus.”

Under the plans, “stay at home” guidance will be replaced by an order to “stay local” on April 2.

On April 5, non-essential retail outlets will be able to operate click and collect services whereas garden centres and car showrooms will also be able to open, as well as hairdressers, barbers and salons.

Also from this date, 12-17 year olds will be able participate in outdoor contact sports.

From April 26, all non-essential shops will reopen.

All council areas in Scotland will move to level three restrictions, which will be changed slightly from last year’s rules.

The ban on travel between council areas in mainland Scotland will be lifted but travel to island communities could still be restricted, subject to government discussions with local authorities.

Six people from up to three households will also be able to meet outdoors. Cafes, bars and restaurants will be able to open outdoors until 10pm, and alcohol sales will be allowed.

It is hoped that they’ll be able to open indoors until 8pm, if the virus has been sufficiently contained.This would only allow for sales of food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Up to 50 people will be able to attend weddings and funerals, and indoor gyms will open for individual exercise. People who are shielding will also be able to return to work or study.

From May 17, level three areas could move to level two, with hospitality businesses serving alcohol indoors under “more normal” opening hours.

Meetings of four people from two households in homes could be allowed. More students in colleges and universities could also return to campus.

The government aims for cinemas, bingo halls and arcades to reopen from that date. The First Minister added she hopes further easing will take place throughout June, with an aim to the country entering level zero by the end of the month.