Scotland reopening: 'Everyday will be like a Saturday for us now - a bit like the end of prohibition'

Waking up to an overcast sky, it seemed as if the ‘happy Monday’ effect of April 26 was not on the cards for Glasgow, but as the people flooded into the city, our dear green place began to reveal the former vibrancy we know so well.

Mid-morning, Glasgow’s Southside was surprisingly eerie with cafes not knowing what to expect as the day went on.

Staff at Spill the Beans in Shawlands were hesitant to predict the day only two hours into opening but admitted it was a slow start.

However, they were glad to see familiar faces from times which felt like long ago.

Glasgow buzzes back to life as hospitality and non essential shops re-open (Top left: Ross and birthday girl Demi enjoying a pint. Top right: shoppers Caitlin Miller and Emma Stewart. Bottom left: Louise O'Malley and Roshelle McGoldrick from Spill the Beans. Bottom right: Bier Halle owner Colin Barr).

Ross Mackenzie, a full-time manager said: “It’s been a slow start but it’s just about getting organised and we are slightly apprehensive about the amount of business we are going to take today but we have no idea how many people are going to come through that door.”

"We are happy to have everyone in this environment and for people to have a good time here.”

Louise O’Malley added: “A lot of our customers who are the older generation- we’ve missed having them here because they weren’t out walking about when we were open for takeaway so it’s actually quite nice to have them back and reassuring them it’s a safe place to be.”

Nextdoor neighbours at family-run business Deli Zola were also seeing a quiet beginning but their outdoor alcohol license was to change that.

Gina Taylor, owner of Deli Zola with 8-week old German Shepherd puppy Amber.

Sitting beside her eight-week old german shepherd Amber, owner Gina Taylor said: “It’s been quite quiet so far- not the best day after the lovely weather we have had but we’ve got a lot of bookings for this afternoon for all the people who are dying for a first glass of wine.

"It’s pretty much fully booked for the weekend here.”

As morning became afternoon, people with suitcases, rucksacks and shopping bags could be seen hurrying through Glasgow Central Station as unrestricted travel across Scotland, England and Wales was allowed.

The air was building up to a steady hum.

Friends enjoying pints at Bier Halle in Glasgow (Photo: John Devlin).

Friends and partners strolled through Buchanan Street, queueing at certain big name stores.

Keen shoppers and friends Caitlin Miller and Emma Stewart were glad to get back to the shops.

Caitlin said: “It’s been so good and it’s something to do as well- it gets you out and about and compared to online, it’s nice to actually see the clothes.”

Emma added: “I feel it’s more social as well- friends can come out and meet up and get lunch.”

Finally, the glowing promise of a golden pint was a must for many people in Glasgow on Monday’s easing.

Celebrating her birthday at Bier Halle on Gordon Street on the day lockdown eased, birthday girl Demi said: “It’s super – I’m just enjoying my birthday with drinks and food and it’s good to get out.”

Well-known publican and owner of Bier Halle, Colin Barr added: “Everyday will be like a Saturday for us now. We’re giving people a wee commemorative tote bag with the date on it- a bit like the end of prohibition.

"I’m just delighted and the staff have been champing at the bit to get back.”

And so the sun began to peep through the clouds - a warm reminder of hope on the horizon.

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