BUSINESS (ALMOST) AS USUAL

Relief as pubs, hairdressers and churches set to reopen

SCOTLAND’S summer hibernation is nearly over – after the nation was finally given the green light to get back to work, worship and play.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement that a raft of pandemic restrictions is set to be lifted within days was welcomed from all corners of society.

Scotland’s lengthier lockdown has been a source of frustration for the hospitality and tourism sectors as the lucrative holiday season ticked by.

Young and old have been prevented from socialising with friends and among their congregations and sports clubs.

Meanwhile, millions have missed the most basic of all services – the haircut.

But, by Wednesday, Scotland will feel a lot more like it used to.

Graham Bucknall, who owns pub/restaurants in Ratho, near Edinburgh, and Elie in Fife, said: ‘We know things have changed long term in many respects, but there’s a real hankering for the “old normal”.

‘People want to enjoy the ambience of being out for a drink or a meal, so to be able to open up properly without the twometre rule on social distancing will save a lot of businesses.’

He added: ‘Thanks heavens we’re coming out of this hibernation. We’re still really worried about what the next few months will bring. Lots will struggle, but we hope most pubs will survive. We’re desperate to make this work and you can see the eagerness in the staff and customers too.

‘Along with the Chancellor’s really clever meal discount scheme, this has been a wonderful week.’

Hazel Waine, who employs four people at her salon, Blues Hair Design in Dollar, Clackmannanshire, added: ‘Since we were put on stand-by for getting back to business on July 15, we opened our diary for provisional bookings.

‘We’ve got 200 clients already booked in for appointments and it’s going to take us around four weeks to clear the backlog. None of us can wait to get back to work.

‘Business-wise, it’s not going to be an instant fix, but we’re in this for the long haul.

‘There’s a lot for us to do. It’s not just the hairy look we’re going to have to sort out but fixing all the DIY “corona cuts” people have given themselves.’

Miss Sturgeon had previously trailed July 15 as the day when there would be a major loosening of restrictions, but last month’s Uturn on opening pub beer gardens had made many business owners wary of making concrete plans.

However, speaking in the Scottish parliament yesterday, she said: ‘Today marks the most significant milestone yet in Scotland’s emergence from lockdown.

‘Measures announced today are, of course, dependent on us keeping the virus under control and we will not hesitate to re-impose restrictions if we consider it necessary to halt the spread of the virus and save lives.

‘Eliminating the virus as far as possible now – ahead of the almost inevitable challenges we will face in winter – remains our objective.’

There will be additional restrictions in pubs and restaurants to allow the two-metre rule to be relaxed in line with England, such as strict seating plans and the collating of customers’ details in case they are needed by contact tracers further down the line.

But the hospitality industry had previously warned that failing to halve social distancing would kill off a significant portion of businesses and thousands of jobs.

Trade groups welcomed the announcement, but insisted no sector was yet free from danger.

Colin Wilkinson, managing director of the Scottish Licensed Trade Association, said: ‘We were waiting with bated breath [but] the First Minister’s announcement has cleared the way for the majority of premises to welcome back customers, albeit in restricted numbers.

‘Coupled with Wednesday’s announcement by the Chancellor to cut VAT on food and accommodation and his “Eat Out to Help Out” initiative, this will mark the beginning of the recovery for the industry. However, ongoing support is essential for its survival. We cannot forget that nearly one-third of premises will either not be able to open or will not be viable.’

A spokesman for VisitScotland said: ‘Sadly, there will be some businesses which will never fully recover from this global crisis.

‘We know the industry has been counting down the days until they could offer that warm Scottish welcome to visitors again.

‘And we anticipate Scots will be keen to get out and enjoy what there is to offer once tourism reopens on July 15.

‘Our marketing will focus on reminding them what a great country we have on our doorsteps to help give tourism that muchneeded boost for the remainder of the year, as guidance will allow.’

However, Miss Sturgeon announced gyms, theatres and bingo halls will not reopen until at least July 30.

Those waiting to sit their driving tests will also have to wait until the end of the month, with live events also delayed.

Colin Borland, director of devolved nations for the Federation of Small Businesses, insisted

‘We’re desperate to make this work’

‘Industry has been counting days’

that high streets will not recover until ministers provide clearer messaging that it’s safe to go back to work and spend money.

He said yesterday: ‘This is another step along the road to freedom from lockdown.

‘Sadly, some businesses that had been expecting to be given the green light have been told they need to wait longer which will be really tough for them.

‘The restart of non-essential retail has been slow. We can’t have pubs, restaurants and cafes opening their doors onto empty streets – they won’t survive.

‘That’s why we need to send a strong message to the public that it’s now safe for them to do their bit and get back onto the high street. That will mean giving businesses and their staff the clear guidance they need to have the confidence to get back to business safely.’

Along with cinemas and museums, places of worship are reopening too, albeit with a continuing ban on singing and chanting.

Catholic Masses will resume on July 15. Bishop Hugh Gilbert, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: ‘Our parishes have been preparing for the safe resumption of communal prayer and the celebration of Mass, which is at the centre of the life of the church.

‘To have been unable to attend Mass has been a source of real sadness for Scotland’s Catholics and I am sure there will be great joy at the prospect of returning.’

The Church of Scotland said it would allow each minister and congregation to ‘consider carefully whether or not they should return to the church building in these early phases’ and said a cap on worshipper numbers would leave many parishioners still unable to attend services.

However, Rev Dr George Whyte, principal clerk to the Church of Scotland, added: ‘For many the opportunity to return to their place of worship, even on a limited basis, will bring spiritual and mental health benefits.’