Main changes as phase two begins

People will be able to spend more time with others as the country moves into phase two of the Scottish Government’s four-step plan for easing lockdown.

Those who have been shielding can now go outdoors for exercise. They will be able to take part in non-contact outdoor activities such as golf and meet outdoors with people from one other household today - but in groups of no more than eight and following social distancing guidelines.

Also from today, people who live on their own or only with children under 18 are able to form an “extended household group”, meaning they can meet indoors without physical distancing and can stay overnight.

Meanwhile, people from one household are able to meet two other households at the same time while outside, with no more than eight people gathered at a time. They will also be able to go inside to use the toilet when meeting in someone else’s garden.

From Monday, the Scottish construction sector will move to the next phase of its restart plan, dentists will be able to open for emergency work and professional sport can resume behind closed doors.

Places of worship will be able to reopen - although only for individual prayer and not services.

Further phase two changes will take effect from Monday 29 June.

From that date outdoor markets, playgrounds and sports facilities will reopen, along with zoos and “garden attractions”, although visitors should not travel more than five miles from their homes and tickets should be bought in advance.

Non-essential shops will also be able to open from this date if they have outdoor entrances and exits.

Some indoor workplaces that have so far opted to remain closed in line with guidance - such as factories, labs and warehouses - can start to reopen but subject to strict physical distancing, hygiene and health and safety regulations.

Restrictions on moving house will be dropped and weddings will be allowed to go ahead but only outdoors and with “limited numbers”.