Scotland opens up again as lockdown restrictions ease

Beer gardens, shops, gyms, & museums are all back in business.

People queuing for Zara in Edinburgh, as beer gardens, non-essential shops, restaurants and cafes, along with swimming pools, libraries and museums in Scotland reopen today.
Author: Chris MaskeryPublished 26th Apr 2021
Last updated 26th Apr 2021

As lockdown restrictions ease across Scotland today, shops, restaurants, beer-gardens, gyms and museums are all re-opening.

The First Minister announced last week that some restrictions can be lifted today (Monday 26th April) as Scotland moves from Level 4 to Level 3 of the Scottish Government's five tiers of restrictions.

Our news teams across Scotland have been out this morning to see what's going on:

There were queues outside Primark on Argyle Street in Glasgow:

One gym in Bathgate opened at midnight to make the most of the relaxation of rules:

Other gyms were open this morning, including Anytime Fitness in Clarkston:

The easing of rules means cafes, restaurants and beer gardens can open, along with shops, gyms, libraries and museums.

Hospitality will need to close at 8pm indoors and 10pm outdoors, with alcohol only allowed to be served outside.

Travel between Scotland, England and Wales will be permitted and tourist accommodation can welcome back visitors, although one of Scotland's top hoteliers said it was no silver bullet:

Hairdressers and Councillors in Gretna told us what the relaxation would mean for them:

Further lockdown easing is due to take place on May 17, with Scotland planning to move to Level 2 of its restrictions, and to Level 1 on June 7.

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