Five Sisters Zoo in West Lothian sees large queues as plant sale launches

Large queues were seen at the West Lothian zoo.

Five Sisters Zoo.

Large queues were seen at Five Sisters Zoo in West Calder after the zoo opened with a plant sale this morning at 10am, sparking fears visitors may not be following lockdown restrictions.

The site had been closed since March 22nd, but staff had been taking orders online for their plant shop.

Social distancing remains in force and this afternoon Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland’s lockdown measures have not yet been eased.

On a Facebook post, Five Sisters made it clear that while attending the trial open day, shoppers should “strictly adhere to current social distancing measures that are in place.

“There will be a one-way system through the rows of plants with hand sanitiser at the start and end of the route. Medical gloves will be available if required although face masks will not be available.”

Despite their efforts, there were mixed views on social media of the sale.

Five Sisters plant sale

One Facebook user said: “That’s brilliant. If people are adhering to social distancing and all the plants are outside this is no different to people queuing up to get into supermarkets.”

Some users were disappointed by the opening and said: “Totally crazy and against advice, every business that opens to sell non-essential goods should be ashamed. People are being told to only go out for essentials and you are encouraging people to go out for non-essentials putting people at risk and also putting pressure on emergency services. Don' t start with all the rubbish about social distancing etc, you should not be doing it!”

Lena Young wrote: “I wish the zoo best of luck but not sure I agree at the moment. It encourages non essential journeys. The lockdown rules still apply at the moment and there hasn't been any changes yet.

Five Sisters stressed: “Everything is outside and no need to enter a building.”