Shops across Scotland set to open their doors today for the first time since the start of lockdown

Retailers were given the green light to reopen by Nicola Sturgeon earlier this month.

Shops across Scotland will reopen for the first time today, after three months of lockdown.

It comes as parts of Scotland’s economy have restrictions eased in the First Minister’s lockdown easing route map.

Retailers have been preparing for the return since Thursday, June 18, when Ms Sturgeon told her press briefing: “From 29 June, retail premises of all sizes can re-open, but only if they have outdoor entrances and exits.

“I am afraid for the time being, indoor shopping centres will remain closed, except for access to essential shops such as supermarkets and pharmacists.

“However, indoor shopping centres should prepare to re-open in phase three as indicated in the route map.”

Those shops that are able to open from tomorrow have spent the time making sure they abide by guidance from the government.

Ms Sturgeon told store owners: “For example, to manage queues, pedestrians and cyclists, ensure that unnecessary street furniture is removed, and that markings and guidances are in place to support strict physical distancing.”

Sturgeon added that shops must also ensure that “appropriate physical distancing and hygiene measures are in place”.

On Friday morning, Ms Sturgeon made her first public visit since the start of lockdown, taking a trip to a New Look outlet in Edinburgh while wearing a tartan face mask.

There, she inspected the changes that had been made to the store to ensure the safety of customers and staff.

Face coverings are now mandatory on all public transport in Scotland, with rules also extending to taxis, private hire cabs, buses, trains, the Glasgow subway, Edinburgh trams, planes and enclosed areas on ferries.

The Scottish government is still consulting on whether face coverings should also be made mandatory in shops as well, and will make a decision before 29 June.

The First Minister added: “However, please do not wait for this - follow the strong advice now to wear face coverings in shops.”

It comes as Scotland had a third consecutive day without a confirmed death from Covid-19 on Sunday.

Nicola Sturgeon described the statistics as an enormous ‘sense of relief’ yet said it was ‘coupled with anxiety’.

Posting on Twitter this afternoon she urged the country to continue to ‘follow the rules’.

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