Fife reaches most significant point in easing of lockdown

Fife has reached the biggest milestone today amid the easing of lockdown restrictions.

Alongside the rest of Scotland, a series of measures have been lifted.

The First Minister believes it's the 'biggest step' the country has taken to remove restrictions since the coronavirus crisis escalated earlier this year.

But Nicola Sturgeon is warning the most 'immediate risk' is a resurgence of Covid-19 during its first wave.

She also thinks the last four months have been 'painful' in making progress to suppress the virus.

Many of the Kingdom's indoor pub and restaurant areas are accepting customers once again.

Places of worship are able to re-open for congregational services, communal prayer and contemplation, subject to physical distancing requirements and limited numbers being permitted.

Cinemas, galleries, libraries, monuments, museums and visitor attractions are also opening up, but measures such as advance ticketing are expected.

After several months, Fifers are also expected to look forward to getting their hair cut or tidied as hairdressers and barbers are opening their doors again.

Childcare providers are also opening up.

Restrictions for civil partnership registrations, funerals and marriages are also easing, but numbers attending are being limited to a maximum of 20 people and physical distancing is also a requirement.

Meanwhile, Fife and Scotland's tourism sector is officially re-opening as well, alongside all holiday accommodation.

It's hoped people across the country will consider a staycation in the Kingdom.

Alex Gardner, Vice-Chair of Visit East Neuk, describes people's feelings in the area over the changes in restrictions: