Scotland announces dates for easing lockdown - including when hairdressers and pubs will reopen

Nicola Sturgeon announced dates for the reopening of hairdressers, pubs, restaurants, cafes and larger outdoor gatherings.

Author: Linsey HannaPublished 16th Mar 2021

The Scottish First Minister has revealed Scotland's route out of lockdown.

Nicola Sturgeon addressed Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon and gave the country a timetable for the exit plan - including dates for when various industries will be allowed to reopen.

The timetable goes up until the end of June, where it's hoped the country can go back to some kind of normality from summer.

Friday 2nd April

  • The government plans to lift the current 'stay at home' rule and change it to 'stay local'

Monday 5th April

  • More retailers and click and collect permitted to reopen
  • More university and college students to return to in-person teaching
  • Hairdressers and barbers can reopen by appointment only
  • Outdoor contact sports for 12-17 year olds resume

12-19th April

  • All school pupils return full time

26th April

  • Up to six people from three households can meet up outdoors
  • For 12-17 year olds - up to six from six households can meet up outdoors
  • Travel within mainland Scotland allowed
  • Up to four people from two households can socialise indoors in a public space such as a cafe or a restaurant
  • All shops, stores and close contact services can reopen
  • Cafes, restaurants and bars can open til 8pm indoors with no alcohol and 10pm outdoors with alcohol
  • Non-essential in-house work permitted
  • Tourist accommodation reopens
  • Driving lessons and tests can resume
  • Funerals and weddings can take place with up to 50 people
  • Gyms can reopen for individual exercise
  • Indoor attractions ie. galleries, museums and libraries can open
  • Takeaway food can be collected indoors

The First Minister said no further changes will be made until the 17th May, where it's expected the country will move down to level two restrictions, which include socialising indoors.

The timetable out of lockdown goes up until the end of June, where it's expected the country will return to more normality.

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