As of Good Friday – 2 April – the ‘stay at home’ rule changed to ‘stay local’ meaning residents in Scotland can travel within their local authority area for non-essential purposes for the first time this year.
The order to stay at home had been in place across mainland Scotland since Christmas and meant that people could only leave their homes for essential reasons including exercising, supporting someone vulnerable and getting food or medication.
But now the restrictions have been lifted, people have been spotted making the most of their newfound freedom.
From paddleboarding with dogs to eating ice cream at the beach, here are some pictures showing local residents enjoying their start to the festive weekend ahead.
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![Crowds were seen flocking to Porty beach to enjoy the day lockdown restrictions lifted. Scottish Government coronavirus restrictions changed from 'stay at home' to 'stay local' as of Good Friday.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjFkYWVkNTRjLTBkMzItNGM4NC04MzAxLTczM2ZlNzEzMTI1NDpiZGQzYmVlNy03MDY5LTQ1N2ItYTNjZi03OTg4MzMxMjhmOGY=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
1. Good Friday
Crowds were seen flocking to Porty beach to enjoy the day lockdown restrictions lifted. Scottish Government coronavirus restrictions changed from 'stay at home' to 'stay local' as of Good Friday. Photo: Scott Louden
![The recent relaxing of restrictions came just in time for the Easter holidays. Pictured here is Lucy, eight, Freya, six, and Tess, four, who enjoyed a swim in the sea on Good Friday.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjg2ZjVlOTM0LTFkMWQtNDYzOC04NWQ1LTA2MzYxMGZlNDFkMDo0NjIxMDU3My01YmVkLTQyZjYtYTYzYS1kNmNkM2M4NWFhNDQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
2. Just in time for the holidays
The recent relaxing of restrictions came just in time for the Easter holidays. Pictured here is Lucy, eight, Freya, six, and Tess, four, who enjoyed a swim in the sea on Good Friday. Photo: Scott Louden
![Brave swimmers David, Graham and Connor from Porty were pictured making the most of the recent rule changes by going for a dip in the sea.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdiZGEwZjlkLTNiOWQtNDI5ZC05MjI3LWNjMjFiNTMzNDhhZDoyN2QxOTQ4YS0wYWQ2LTQ2ZTEtODdmYi03MTU5YzEyZWNhNWQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
3. Splashing about
Brave swimmers David, Graham and Connor from Porty were pictured making the most of the recent rule changes by going for a dip in the sea. Photo: Scott Louden
![Musician Rick Giujisa spotted doing a bit of busking as crowds visit Porty beach the day lockdown restrictions ease.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOmIxZDRiYmY1LTljOTctNDYxOC05Zjk3LThjYWY4MWM2MjRkYjoyMDliM2NiMy1hMzVhLTRkMGYtODg0OS1kMDlmZTdkZTM1MWE=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
4. Back to busking
Musician Rick Giujisa spotted doing a bit of busking as crowds visit Porty beach the day lockdown restrictions ease. Photo: Scott Louden