This is what Ikea will be like when its doors reopen to the Scottish public

Ikea has provided details on what their shops will be like for customers when the doors reopen to the Scottish public.

The Swedish furniture giant closed its stores on March 20th amid safety concerns from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Stores in England and Northern Ireland reopened on Monday this week but branches in Scotland - Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen - remain closed in line with the Scottish Government guidance.

Ikea is taking a number of measures to ensure a 'safe and comfortable shopping experience, in time for doors reopening at their Scottish branches.

An Ikea spokesperson said the health and safety of their customers remains "top priority" and that "extensive and enhanced" measures have been put in place to create a "safe and comfortable" experience for all when Scots stores do reopen.

These measures will include:

- A limited number of customers in the store with a staggered entry system, with people ideally shopping alone unless someone needs to bring children or requires special assistance

- Screens in key areas including checkouts

- Social distancing 'wardens' throughout the store and deeper, more frequent cleaning routines

- Customers are also being encouraged to come to the store with ready-made lists and their own bags

- Those who purely wish to return items, where possible, should do so at a later date as Ikea has a 365 days returns policy.

- Hand sanitisers will also be stationed throughout the store

- Only cashless payments will be accepted to reduce contact

- Creches will be closed along with outdoor play areas

According to the Ikea website, restaurants at stores in England and Northern Ireland have not been reopened but a bistro takeaway service has been provided, which includes offerings like the popular meatballs dish.

According to the Ikea website, the company branches which have opened this week are also operating on reduced operating hours.

An opening date for Scottish stores is yet to be confirmed.