Covid Scotland: Clubbers across Scotland glad to be back as nightclub venues reopen following restriction easing

Many people in Scotland took to nightclubs at midnight to welcome back the disco ball and dance floor as restrictions eased across the country.

Club goers enjoy themselves at Boteca do Brasil nightclub in Glasgow as nightclubs reopen (Photo: Daniel Harkins/PA Wire).

As the clock struck midnight on Monday night – meaning the end to social distancing in Scotland – chants and screams were heard across cities in the country as nightclubs opened their doors.

Confetti filled the street outside The Buff Club in Glasgow as the clubbing hour came, with the venue posting “Welcome Back” with a love heart emoji on their Facebook story at midnight.

Nick Eadie, a 22-year-old clubber outside the Glasgow venue, said he was happy to be back in the nightclub scene.

He said: “It felt quite unreal being allowed back into clubs.”

However, the 22-year-old added that it left a lot of people, including himself, with anxiety.

He said: “The thought of being in a heavily packed area with little restrictions felt like being thrown in the deep end.”

On Friday afternoon last week, the Scottish Government finally confirmed face coverings can be removed for dancing in a club and that there will be no requirement to wear one while eating or drinking– if a clubber is seated or standing.

Luke Dunsmuir, 19 who was out for the night at the Polo Lounge in Glasgow (Photo: Daniel Harkins/PA Wire).

READ: Covid Scotland: Return to lockdown not ruled out ahead of 'challenging' winter

Face coverings are required when customers enter and exit the club, however, and to go to the toilet or walk to the bar.

At Glasgow’s Polo Lounge, an LGBTQ inclusive club, Luke Dunsmuir, 19, from Strathbungo, told PA news agency: "I've been nightclubbing since I was 15."

"Oot and aboot."

He said his next few weeks would be "busy busy".

"Out every night, just you wait, you'll be seeing my face everywhere," he added.

Keen dancers took to the floor at the Boteco Do Brasil club in Glasgow.

Martin Stewart, 24, from the city, was among the crowd and he told PA news agency: “It’s been a long wait – I’ll be out till closing.”

George Bowie, GBX radio presenter said: “Big shout to everyone in the nightclub industry, no matter what you do, buzzing for you to be back where you belong.

"And like most of Scotland if you're going out clubbing tonight after midnight enjoy yourself, you've earned it”

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