Leisure lockdown starts to lift

More lockdown restrictions have been eased across Scotland today, allowing for further entertainment and leisure facilities to reopen.

Bingo halls, casinos, snooker halls, funfairs and amusement arcades can reopen on Monday, with physical distancing and hygiene measures in place.

It is more than seven weeks since similar moves were made in England for venues such as bingo halls.

Some outdoor live events are now permitted, with physical distancing, while driving lessons and contact sports outside can also resume.

Indoor face-to-face advisory services, such as Citizens Advice, can restart.

Announcing the changes last Thursday First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon said: "I hope the reopening of some services will be welcomed because we know it is essential to reduce the economic harm this virus is doing, but I hope people will also understand why, as we try to open services and keep them open, we must take firm action when rules and guidance are not being complied with.''

The news was welcomed across affected industries, while a live event was announced as part of the Edinburgh festivals season.

Nathan Cassidy's Observational show will take place at The Three Sisters on Monday, with physical distancing, hygiene and restricted numbers.

Derek Mitchell, chief executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, said that the reopening of its bureaux was vital for supporting the most vulnerable people face to face.

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