Scotland Reopening RECAP: Coronavirus lockdown eases across Scotland, pubs, shops and gyms reopen, loved ones are reunited on Monday April 26
The country moves from Level 4 to Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s five tiers of restrictions on April 26.
You can follow along with our dedicated live blog for all the latest updates throughout the day.
A message from the Editor:
Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.
If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.
Scotland Reopening LIVE: Coronavirus lockdown eases across Scotland, pubs, shops and gyms reopen, loved ones are reunited on Monday April 26
Key Events
- Country moves from Level 4 to Level 3
- Pub pints and museum visits are back
- Gyms, swimming pools, libraries can reopen
Call for 4,000 volunteers as Valneva begins phase 3 trials of vaccine made in Livingston
Call for 4,000 volunteers as Valneva begins phase 3 trials of vaccine made in Livingston
The Covid-19 vaccine being made by Valneva in Livingston, West Lothian has entered phase 3 trials, with a call for 4,000 volunteers.
Scotland lockdown rules: the Covid restrictions that will change on Monday in roadmap out of lockdown
Scotland weather forecast: Rain clouds on way as lockdown restrictions to be relaxed
Rain clouds are set to cover much of the country as Scotland’s sun-soaked weekend comes to a lamentably abrupt end in time for the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
Keep calm and these restrictions might be gone forever - Elsa Maishman
Keep calm and these restrictions might be gone forever - Elsa Maishman
Today is the most drastic easing of pandemic restrictions Scotland has seen, but in part at least, we’ve been here before. Rules have relaxed, only to be tightened again. Local areas have gone from one level to another and back again, and promises have been made only to be snatched back as cases rise.
Under-50s urged to get vaccine so UK ‘can continue on path back to normality’
People aged 50 and under are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccine so the UK can “continue on the path back to normality”.
The push for people to take up jab offers comes as restrictions ease in Wales and Scotland, and as Britain sends more than 600 pieces of urgently-needed medical equipment to India following a devastating surge in coronavirus cases.
A UK Government campaign – called “every vaccination gives us hope” – sees the launch of a TV advert which will showcase the health workers and volunteers involved in the vaccination rollout across the UK.
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said the campaign will predominantly be aimed at people under the age of 50 who will be offered their first dose, as well as the over-50s who are booked in for their second dose, to encourage vaccine uptake.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “Vaccines are helping us get back to doing the things we have missed – they protect you and those around you.
“This campaign is a remarkable and poignant reminder of everything we’ve been through as a country and everything we have to look forward to – as well as the tireless efforts of our volunteers, NHS heroes and the British people.
“Every vaccination gives us hope and I urge everyone to take up the offer of a vaccine when it comes, as we continue on the path back to normality.”
Scotland’s weather today
Heading to a beer garden? Take a coat. Actually, take a brolly, too.
Rain clouds are set to cover much of the country as Scotland’s sun-soaked weekend comes to a lamentably abrupt end in time for the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
Rain will be persistent for many throughout the course of the day and will be heavy in places. There will also be a moderate breeze in most locations.
However, don’t be too despondent – the good weather is set to return for most of Scotland by the end of the week.
Scotland reopens: Rallying call as pubs, gyms and shops welcome back customers
Scotland reopens: Rallying call as pubs, gyms and shops welcome back customers
Retail and tourism chiefs have issued a rallying call to support businesses battling for survival as Scotland reopens today in the biggest single-day easing of pandemic restrictions so far.
Scots shoppers urged to ‘spend and keep safe’ as stores reopen
Shoppers in Scotland have been reminded over mask-wearing and distancing as retailers look to claw back £4.1 billion in lost sales since the start of the pandemic.
From Monday, “non-essential” shops are allowed to open their doors to the public after being shuttered since Boxing Day, with millions spent on safety-proofing them against Covid transmission.
The Scottish Retail Consortium urged shoppers to queue considerately and be mindful over distancing and mask-wearing after “four long months of closure” for shops.
It expects an “initial surge” as customers venture out but said the “real test will be how this holds up”.
Director David Lonsdale said: “Retailers have spent millions of pounds to make shops Covid-secure for customers and colleagues.
“We encourage Scots to get out and visit their favourite shops over the coming weeks knowing every purchase they make and every item they buy is a local job supported and a high street helped.
“Unlocking consumer spending will be central to Scotland’s economic recovery and to bouncing back quickly.
“Many of us will be looking forward to returning to our favourite shop in the coming weeks and we all have a duty to keep each other safe.”
Pub pints and museum visits are back as Scotland’s coronavirus restrictions ease
afes, beer gardens, non-essential shops and museums are reopening in Scotland on Monday as lockdown easing continues.
The country moves from Level 4 to Level 3 of the Scottish Government’s five tiers of restrictions on April 26.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last week that the continued suppression of coronavirus and the success of the vaccine rollout meant some restrictions can be lifted on Monday.
It means gyms, swimming pools, libraries and museums can reopen along with cafes, restaurants and beer gardens.
Hospitality will need to close at 8pm indoors, with alcohol only allowed to be served outside.
People will be able to meet others for a meal or drink, with up to six people from two households allowed to socialise indoors in a public place such as a cafe or restaurant.
Other changes include the resumption of driving lessons and tests while close contact services, such as beauty parlours, can also return.
Funerals and weddings – including post-funeral events and receptions – will be allowed to take place with up to 50 people and alcohol permitted.
Travel between Scotland, England and Wales will be permitted and tourist accommodation can welcome back visitors.
Non-essential work inside people’s homes – such as painting, decorating or repairing – can take place.
Adults on the shielding list can return to the workplace if they cannot work from home, while children who have been shielding can go back to school.
VisitScotland is calling on Scots to support the recovery of the tourism sector by enjoying short breaks, days out and staycations in Scotland.
Malcolm Roughead, VisitScotland chief executive, said: “It is clear that tourism has been one of the greatest economic casualties of the pandemic.
“We’ve had a year of very little investment, job losses and business closures – it will take time and significant investment to get us back to a thriving industry.
“With the right support, tourism and events can lead the economic recovery and boost inward investment where it’s needed most, but to do that the industry needs the support of people living in Scotland in the first instance.
“Many businesses are reopening after months of no trade, and with staycations set to be popular again this year, there is a real opportunity for us all to rally round and show our support for local tourism.”
Meanwhile the Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) urged people to support the retail sector.
David Lonsdale, SRC director, said: “We encourage Scots to get out and visit their favourite shops over the coming weeks knowing every purchase they make and every item they buy is a local job supported and a high street helped.
“Unlocking consumer spending will be central to Scotland’s economic recovery and to bouncing back quickly.”
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.