Edinburgh reacts to Nicola Sturgeon announcing lockdown to be eased

Our readers have been reacting to Nicola Sturgeon announcing lockdown measures in Scotland will be eased, with ‘phase one’ of the Scottish Government's ‘route map’ out coming into effect on Friday (May 29).

Speaking at her daily briefing from St Andrew's House on Thursday, the First Minister confirmed that Scottish people will be allowed to resume outdoor work and construction, garden centres will reopen and drive through food outlets will no longer be discouraged from tomorrow.

Recycling centres will also reopen.

From Monday onwards, teachers will be able to enter schools, and from next Wednesday, childcare will be available to a wider group of people.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

Again, from tomorrow, people can meet other households, as long as keeping 2m apart.

When two households meet up, there should not be more than eight people and should try not to meet up with two different households in one day.

People are not yet allowed to enter other houses.

Ms Sturgeon stressed that she feels ‘nervous’ bringing these changes in, and asks for people to stick to the new rules.

Here’s how some Edinburgh Evening News readers reacted to the news on social media.

Rick Capaldi commented: "Much was made of Boris Johnson's address and how incoherent it was. Nicola Sturgeon has just addressed the nation with all these things we can and can't do to - then go on and say that none of it will be legally enforced. She would have been better saying we can do what we want, as she is going to do nothing to enforce it."

Gayle May Davidson wrote: "What a clear message she gave! She is really proving herself through this crisis."

Thomas Mcilwraith opined: "Basically, lockdown will now be regarded as being over by the public....you can bet on it!"

Lorna Akdeniz wrote: "Nicola, I have nothing but pure admiration for you. I actually get emotional at your conferences as you speak from your heart. You explain thing clearly and thoroughly. I totally love how you fill me with hope and confidence. Please keep fighting for us like you do. You are a true leader, I wished you where the PM of the UK."

Michael Gordon posted: "So not much change then - most of that happens anyway."

Neil Darroch commented: "Everybody applauding her she seems to have overlooked the fact that thousands of self employed Scots didn't qualify for the government furlough scheme - not once has she mentions us. The whole scheme was a joke... had more holes in it than a tea strainer. Boris Johnson and his cronies should have been pulled up on it by the Scottish Government."

Peter Anderson wrote: "Just in case people don't understand, places are reopening for the economy not because it's safe."

Sharon Mcaloon said: "I hope everyone has a lovely day meeting up with their loved ones again."

Stuart Kellett commented: "I think we are all a bit nervous, but we have to trust in everyone doing the correct thing."

Helena Reid wrote: "Well done Nicola, great speaker doing us all proud. She's doing this to keep everyone safe. She answers every question in a lovely manner."

Baillie Ian opined: "Nothing really new to the lockdown as the public are one step ahead, Nicky."

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