Day at the races could be on the cards from next month
Spectators could return to Perth Racecourse next month.
Bosses at the arena are in talks with the Scottish Government about the return of crowds.
There have been no punters at Perth since 2019, with COVID restrictions currently banning large gatherings.
However, regulations will ease next week and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon appears confident the region will be able to open up at some point this summer.
From Monday, crowds of 500 people will be allowed at events, with this expected to rise to 2000 in June.
Racing did take place at Perth this week, albeit behind closed doors.
A statement released by the racecourse this week said:“While we prepare to race behind closed doors [on Wednesday and Thursday], Perth Racecourse can confirm that - aided by yesterday’s announcement by The Scottish Government - we are in discussions at a local level regarding the safe, and initially limited, return of spectators.
“Any such return requires the approval of the local authority and public health and safety advisory groups and so, supported by Scottish Racing, we are progressing an operational plan for the resumption of racing with restricted crowds for our two June fixtures at Perth.
“The ability of Perth, and all Scottish racecourses, to implement the new measures is determined by both size and layout, with a phased approach required. All arrangements remain subject to approval from individual local authorities, which license sporting and hospitality events and may result in local variations.
“We will provide a further update with more detail on this subject as soon as possible.
“All the team at Perth would like to thank everyone connected to the racecourse for their patience and continued support.”