This is the date when Scottish shops can reopen as the country enters phase two of lockdown

Shoppers can return to the high street once again after months of lockdown as Scotland enters its next phase of lifting restrictions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has set the date for when non-essential retail businesses are allowed to reopen as the country enters phase two of exiting lockdown.

Happy shoppers can return to the high street once again for the first time in months as restrictions are lifted across the country.

During her daily briefing on Thursday, Ms Sturgeon announced that all non-essential retail businesses will be allowed to reopen on June 29, with some restrictions in place.

Shops can reopen from June 29 with social distancing measures in place as Scotland enters phase two of exiting lockdown

She said premises will only be able to open if they have outdoor exits and entrances and prior to this long awaited date, shops and local councils should ensure that plans for the "responsible use of public space" is in place.

While most retail businesses have been given the green light, shopping centres are still to remain closed during this phase unless they have essential shops including pharmacies and supermarkets.

Speaking directly to would-be customers, Ms Sturgeon asked that everyone "exercise patience, stick to the measures that are in place for your safety, and at all times please respect retail staff who will be asking you to shop in a different way."

The First Minister also said that further health services, including more access to GP services and the resumption of services which were postponed by the NHS in March, would resume.

Until now, people in Scotland have only been able to meet outdoors with residents of one other household, and only in groups of up to eight.

The changes announced by Ms Sturgeon today (June 18) will see the restrictions relaxed slightly, with people now able to meet two other households at the same time - but again, only in groups of no more than eight with strict social distancing measures in place.

For the first time, these outdoor meetings can include people who in the shielding group who have previously been advised not to go outside.