Covid lockdown: How I'll be doing my bit to help pubs recover – Steve Cardownie

The Covid-19 restrictions have had the unintended benefit of prohibiting me from going to Tynecastle Park and witnessing the below-par performances recently served up by a Hearts team that is making extremely heavy weather of capturing the Scottish Championship title.
Steve Cardownie is among those looking forward to the re-opening of Edinburgh's pubs (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)Steve Cardownie is among those looking forward to the re-opening of Edinburgh's pubs (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Steve Cardownie is among those looking forward to the re-opening of Edinburgh's pubs (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

However, on a more serious note, the restrictions, which have proven to be necessary, now show signs of loosening their grip as Covid-19 numbers give cause for optimism and businesses have been alerted to dates on which they will be allowed to re-open for trade.

Last Monday’s green light for homeware shops, garden centres and hairdressers to re-open will come as a welcome relief to many residents who have been denied the opportunity – to say nothing of the staff who can now return to their employment.

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There has been no clear indication of when foreign travel will be allowed again although hopefully this summer will not be fully ruled out as innovative measures are under consideration which may allow it to resume.

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So while the Bermuda shorts have not been discarded entirely, the knotted handkerchief is still on standby in case my ambitions are limited to Seton Sands.

Any need for a hairdresser ceased to be a concern of mine some years ago but I am looking forward to the re-opening of pubs and beer gardens and, as the Scottish Beer & Pub Association has said pubs missed out on selling eight million pints over the Easter weekend, I can assure them that I will do my level best to help make up the shortfall!

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